A^ 






'^ 



'^ 






., 'c- 



. a. -o- 



^^. 



.-^^ 






A 



s^ -^ 



:V 






-> ./>, 






'^■. v^' 



■r. 



> V 






•=^. 



<:- .'^■ 









.^ 



'^,^ 






^■% 



\ 



G 






\ S- 



,^''^. 



\^ 



'* 



ON 



KEIilGIOU! 



AND 



iiiiro®M©^iii ©w]B33i(©^gj( 



BY REFINE WEEKES. 




SECOND EDITION, GORREGTED AND ENLARGj^Fl. 



PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOJff, 

BY MAHLON DAY, 

NO. 372, PEARL-STREET^ 



1823. 






Southern District of J^ew-York^ ss. 

-i'4"*44*#T>E IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty-third day 
"^y^ (^ ^Jt^ of September, in the forty-fifth year of the Independence 
^!^aX^* °^ ^^^ United States of America, Refine Weekes, of the 
^•*-f-#-*"t"*- g^jj district, hath deposited in this office, the title of a book, 
the right whereof he claims as author, in the words following, to wit : 
'* Poems, on Religious and Historical subjects, by Refine Weekes." 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, 
** An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, 
Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during 
the time therein mentioned :" and also to an Act, entitled "An Act, sup- 
plementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of learning, 
by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and 
proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extend- 
ing the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etchisg 
historical and other prints." 

G. L. THOMPSON, 
Clerk of the Southern District of A''ew-iforh^ 



&ontmt^. 



FAGE. 



n the Creation, Fall, and Redemption of Man, i 

a the True Ministry, War, Universal Peace, &:c. 38 

Messiah, _ _ - » - 48 

On the Ministry, and Women's Preaching, - 56 

On Sinojing of PsalrnSj - - - - 67 

Joyful Tidings, - - - - 74 

The Deluge, - - ^ - - 82 

The Life of Joseph, - - ,»- 87 

The Israelites' Deliverance, - .- - 122 

Moses' Song, - - - ^ i64 

The Life of Job, ^ - . , 166 

Of Balaam, - ,- - - 191 

Of Deborah and Barak, - - - 203 

Song of Deborah and Barak, ^ * 208 

Of Gideon and his Sons, - - ' - 211 

Jephthah and his Daughter, - - 235 

Sampson, - - - - - 242 

Ruth, --,.-_ 259 

Elijah and Elisha, » - - . 270 

Jonah's Voyage to Nineveh, - - 339 

Esther, - - - - - S47 

Daniel, - - - ^ - 371 

Rebuses, - *- - • - 399 



THE 1 

You who can feel, when scenes of grief prevail, ,■ 

Draw near and listen to a serious tale. — 

I many years a share of wealth possess'd ; 
My heart was open then to the distress'd ; j 

My frugal board the traveller has shar'd ; 

My money for the public good I spar'd. ■ 

The wants of those with sympathy survey'd, ~ ' ^ 

Where disappointment's heavy hand was laid. j 

The golden rule I valu'd from my youth, ; 

Lov'd justice, mercy and the path of truth. ; 

A view thereof, is precious to my soul, ] 

Has kept my heart. In deep affliction whole. 
Yet here I wish, to heed the lowly guide — : 

To shun all boasting, vanity, and pride. 

While I, as farmer, sought the meaas of life, -? 

Intently shimning idleness and strife, 

Men deeply anxious for a golden prey, •. 

By their allurements stript my wealth away ; 
And I was left (with mourning children) bare 
Of fine possessions, I had nurs'd wnth care. 

Some blindly tread the paths of gloom in griefj 
Fly to the bottle to obtain relief : •• 

Or pain'd at sorrow's penetrating dart, -i 

Die of a wretched and a broken heart : 1 

Or when afflicted, in a frantic fit i 

Of deep despair, will suicide commit. 

But there are those whose hearts for heaven glow^ ! 

Whose choicest treasure is not found below : 
As they in faith and humble patience keep, \ 

They find protection through the dreary deep— i 

By aid oi grace, that is divine and free, 3 

Just as the day is. so their strength will be. i 

When I was from a competence allur'd, ; 

To indigence, with pain to be endur'd ; 

When held in durance, by the hard and blind, j 

I view'd it best to be through all resign'd ; '■ 



vi THE author's PETITION. 



In confidence of an approaching hour 
Of sweet relief, by all-controlling Power. 
He, who, with care, the boundless region fills, 
Can good produce from seeming grievous ills. 
I thought of Joseph, in the prison thrown, 
Whose basis was the sure foundation stone. — 
Of patient Job, who stript of joys terrene, 
Endured a long, and deep heart-i ending scene. 
To those who truth and heavenly riches prize, 
Afflictions are but blessings in disguise. 

When, like a hermit, lonely I abode. 
On various subjects, matter freely flow'd. — 
When clotids obscur'd and spread the gloom of night, 
I took my pen, in musing found delight: 
The lines I wrote, appear'd to entertain 
The man of learning, and the rural swain. 
My mental labours, by the muses' aid, 
Are now before the serious reader laid. 
As the productions of a trying day. 
When evils seem'd assembled in array- 
When I was in affliction's valley led— 
When o'er the billows truth preserv'd my head. 

May those who are to take a view inclin'd, 
Instruction gain or some amusement find; 
More solid than by publications vain — 
By novels that the paths of virtue stain^- 
By books alluring to a great degree 
Of darkness, vice, and infidelity ; 
That draw the minds of the unguarded youth, 
From the sublime enjoyments of the truth, 
To paths where pain and misery pervade, 
And to the vale of death's most awful shade. 

You who have plenty in your field and store, 
May you the Giver, who is great, adore— 
May you the calls of indigence survey — 
Sensations of true sympathy display ; 
And do to those whom trying scenes surround, 
As should be done, were you among them found. 

Columbia's Sons ! behold, I call on you, 
And on her Daughtehs, my complaint to view ; 
A moment to the Farmer's muse attend, 
Perhaps you'll buy some volumes of your frisnd. 

R. W. 



POEMS 



ON 

RELIGIOUS ^JVD HISTORICAL, 

AN ESSAY 

ON THE 

Cxeatiou, t\\e Tall, ai\4 t\\e ^eAe\\\p- 
tioii ol Man. 



This wondrous world, the human, blest abode, 
Was form'd in wisdom by Almighty God ! 
Eternal, glorious, infinite and kind, 
Past comprehension by the human mind! 

The Majesty of everlasting fame 
Is call'd Jehovah ; ('tis the Hebrew name,) 
That is, existing of himself alone, 
And granting life to ev'ry being known : 
This name denotes immutability, 
Eternity, and independency ; 
Infallible assurance of the love. 
And promises of Him who reigns above. 
This object of all adoration true, 
Made glorious orbs, that we with wonder view; 
Supported, just as in an ancient hour, 
On pillars of his everlasting power. 
They run revolving with amazing speed, 
A wondrous frame of workmanship indeed ! 
Immutably obedient to his laws — 
How glorious then must be the Great First Cause ! 

Before the Lord his majesty unveil'd, 
A boundless darkness o'er the deep prevail'd — 



8 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

The earth was void, without a form we find — 

A wondrous fabric was by him designed. 

God's spirit mov'd^-spoke from his awful throne ; 

•* Let there be light, and there was light," that shone. 

He who is with Omnipotence endued, 
Produced this region from the Choas rude ; 
Made heaven and earth, the rivers, springs, and seas, 
The mountains, vallies, verdant grass, and trees 5 
He made great lights, their glory to display, 
Sun, moon and stars, to rule the night and day : 
Great whales and other wonders of the main, 
The beasts that tread the mountain and the plain, 
The fowls and all that his great wisdom planned, 
Wliose element is water, air, or land ; 
Prondunc'd them good, and gave them license free, 
To multiply and fill the earth and sea; 
And when the world was finish'd all complete — 
Was form'd a verdant and delightful seat. 
The Lord was pleas'd to change his sacred style — 
He by his all-effecting word erewhile, 
Just gave command, and was forthwith bbey'd ; 
He spoke the word, and glorious things were made. 
Now, He whose hand the universe can span, 
Sfiys, let us make, in our own image, Man ; 
And let him rule the fishes of the sea. 
And his dominion o'er the fowls shall be ; 
O'er flocks and herds that on the hills abound, 
And every creature creeping on the ground. 
Herein besides his image, who's divine, 
In which the man was brightly made to shine, 
His origin may clearly be survey'd, 
More noble than the other creatures made. 
These were produc'd, just by a word he spake, 
But, "Godform'd man"— he seem'd more pains to take, 
And man is call'd his *' ^workmanship,^' we find, 
" His ofFspringf ," who is infinite and kind. 
Tho' man was form'd, in his first modell'd state, 
But from the ground, and was inanimate ; 

*Eph. ii. 10. t Acts, xvU. 28. 



REDEMPTION OP MAN. 

God breath^, with life that's wondrous to control 
In him, and he became a hving soul. 

He whose great power was in creation shown, 
Said 'twas not good for man to be alone : 
To consolate with true parental care, 
Said he a help-mate would for him prepare. 
Then, he who was from everlasting crown'd. 
Made Adam fall into a sleep profound ; 
Then took a rib forth gently from his side, 
And with new flesh the open place supplied. 
He of this rib a lovely woman made, 
And her unto the lonely man convey'd. 
When Adam saw her, lo ! his heart was won, 
And knowing clearly what the Lord had done, 
*'Bone of my bone," the joyful man exclaim'd, 
" Flesh of my flesh, and she shall Eve be nam'd." 
On this 'twas said, "a man shall parents leave, 
And to his tender, faithful wife shall cleave, 
To be one flesh, no more to part again. 
Till potent death dissolves the blissful chain." 
All those who to the marriage state incline, 
May view, with joy, the institute divine ; 
The law was made while innocency glow'd, 
While they in Lden, in the life, abode. 
Man nobler form'd than all he made beside. 
By his Creator is no good deny'd. 
Both male and female he saw meet to bless, 
With great dominion and with fruitfulness : 
And he to make their paradise complete, 
Form'd Eden's garden for their blissful seat. 
With fruits delicious and salubrious stor'd, 
That flow'd as from the richest sources pour'd. 

The world was made upon a glorious plan. 
And with most perfect innocence began : 
All things were good, made by the Lord's command 
He blest the works of his Almighty hand. 
And here their natures, and harmonious state, 
All magnified him, their Creator, great; 
it was a scene of love, without alloy. 

The morning stars together sang for joy — 

2# 



lU ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

All the creation could together draw, 
And say Amen, to his cementing law. 
No jarring now — the world with love is bless'dj 
Man in his peaceful paradise of rest ; 
Beasts in the field, the verdant pastures share, 
The fowls are in their element, the air ; 
The finny tribes in the deep waters move — 
The lights display their glory from above — 
The mountains join the wonders to admire — 
The air, the earth, the water, and the fire, 
Unite to worship, in the blissful hour, 
Adore his goodness, wisdom and his power. 

So man was made probation to endure. 
Created in his Maker's image pure ; 
His likeness, that is, holy and upright — 
Meek, merciful, and humble in his sight ; 
Endu'd with light and knowledge from above, 
With righteousness and heavenly peace and love. 
Thus they were made, and must be provM and try'd. 
To show if they would in this state abide ; 
To prove if they would true attention pay, 
And their Creator's righteous laws obey. 

Among the trees, most beautiful to view. 
That in the garden of rich Eden grew, 
"Was one with fruit alluring, fair and fine, 
They must not eat, was the command divine r 
The sentence of the Majesty on High 
Was, '* In the day they eat thereof, they'd die." 
This fruit was pleasing and was doubtless, good> 
Had it not been forbidden them for food : 
It was his work, who sure must be obey'd, 
And all was good that the Creator made. 
The serpent now, was lurking there, we see. 
And greatly envied their felicity ; 
He wished them from fidelity to draw, — 
To eat the fruit forbidden by the law. 
In opposition to the King, Most High, 
He boldly said, '' Ye shall not surely die.'* 
Persuading them, if they should freely eal> 
They'd rise in wiadom to a nobler seat. 



REDEMPTION OF MAN. 11 

The woman listen'd to the serpent's voice, 
And saw the fruit alluring to her choice, 
She, in temptation, took thereof and ate, 
And some of it presented to her mate, — 
They both partook, a wicked thing they did, 
Unlawful quite, because it was forbid. 

On eating fruit, from the forbidden tree, 
They were asham'd, unto a great degree. 
They heard the voice of Him who bears the sway? 
As he approach'd them, in the cool of day. 
Then from His presence, (who transgression sees) 
They hid themselves among the garden trees. 
The great Creator, of eternal fame, 
Then callM to Adam, by his proper name ; 
He, who would not of breach of laws alloVv, 
Arous'd the man with, " Adam, where art thou ^ 
*' i heard thy voice," (was the reply he made) 
" And hid myself — am naked and afraid.'' 
*• Ah ! hast thou eaten,'' said the Deity, 
*' The fruit that grows on the forbidden tree ?'^ 
Here Adam's heart was not so hard within, 
As to deny the painful fact — the sin ; 
But he endeavour'd to excuse the same. 
By quickly laying on his wife the blame : 
*' She whom, said he, thou form'd to be my mate, 
*' Gave me the fruit, of which, alas ! I ate." 
She then was called on by the holy One, 
«* What deed, (said he,) is this that thou hast done r" 
She own'd the fact, that had produced the woe, 
But would the blame upon another throw : 
Alleging she had been allur'd by wile, 
Drawn to transgression by the serpent's guile : 
" The serpent's falsehood me allur'd, (said she) 
" I then ate fruit of the forbidden tree." 
God did not with the serpent now proceed^ 
As with the man, and woman, on the deed, 
"Whom by a plain examination, he 
Brouj2;ht to confession, and conviction free ; 
But He who rules, as the majestic h^ad. 
In passing sentence on the serpent, said, 



12 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

*' Because thou thus hast into mischief run, 

*' This wickedness, in wretched envy done, 

*' Lo ! thou ait curs'd, (it is upon thee seaPd) 

'• Above all beasts, and cattle of the field j 

" Upon thy belly thou shalt surely go, 

"And eat of dust, throughout thy life of woe. 

*' And 1 will put great enmity indeed, 

*' 'Tween thee and woman, and each other's seed, 

" And thy own head shall heavy bruises feel, 

*' And in the struggle thou shalt bruise his heel." 

The Lord then to the woman and the man. 

Told each one's doom, as a consistent plan : 

"That she'd bring children, under sorrow's flow, 

" And from the earth should thorns and thistles grow 

" That he, like one found in a weary place, 

^' Should eat his bread in sweat of his own face, 

" Until he pass'd the low terrestrial bound — 

" Till he return'd unto the dusty ground : 

" For he should sure (since he had disobey'd) 

"Return to dust, for he of dust was made.'' 

When by the Lord, who had the povv'r to teachj 

T]je doom or sentence, had been pass'd on each. 

Instead of fruits, whose sweets were daily new, 

That in the garden, all spontaneous grew, 

God sent the man, the farming tools to wield. 

From Eden to the labour of the field : 

He lost the garden that had him sustained — 

His face must sweat while nourishment he gain'd 

The sentence here may be propitious view'd. 

When for transgression of such magnitude. 

This is, in short, tlie outward history 
Of the creation, by the Deity, 
And of man*s fall from his delightful seat — 
From innocence and happiness complete. 
Those who are in true understanding wise, 
These subjects great can clearly spiritualize — 
They well discern how this creation true, 
Resemblance bears to the creation new; 
Sound doctrine they can most distinctly draw, 
From the creation, and Creator's law — 



REDEMPTION OF MAN. 



13 



Can with an eye of deep discerning see, 
To shun the fruit of the forbidden tree ; 
And if they eat, most sensibly they know 
A state of death, of gloominess and woe — 
They understand, while under judgment's rod. 
The loss of Eden, and the fruits of God — 
Need of true prayer — humility unfeigned, 
To know the blissful paradise regained. 
As the external history is true, 
"Tis so indeed, of the creation new. 

'Tis Wisdom's pleasure and his right to prove 
The strength and fervour of his subjects' love. 
'Twas said by him whom Angels must obey, 
In love sublime, in quite an ancient day ; 
'* The Lord, your God, he proveth you to find 
If you regard him, with a faithful mind : 
And ye shall walk before your heavenly Lord, 
In humble fear obey his holy word — 
To cleave to him, must be your faithful choice. 
Keep his commandments and obey his voice."* 
The Jewish high-priest, of an ancient line, 
Was ordered by authority divine, 
" Do not drink wine, nor any thing that's strong, 
Thou nor thy sons, who to the priests belong, 
When ye before me in the temple stand, 
Lest ye die there for breach of this command."!" 
In Moses' law now let us take a view. 
Swine's flesh was there prohibited a Jew : 
W^hy was it more unlawful than a kid ? 
The case is clear, because it was forbid. 
Just so it was, as we may plainly see, 
With fruit that grew on the foi bidden tree : 
To eat thereof was an unlawful thing. 
Because forbidden by the heavenly King. 

Some vainly reason, in the gloom of night, 
And form strange thoughts of Him, who dwells in light, 
And boundless wisdom into question call, 
For making Adam so that he could fall. 

* Deut. xiii, 3. 4. t Lev. x, 9. 



14 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

And some exclaim, " this sentiment is true, 

" He who made Adam his great fall foreknew ; 

"And to foreknow, and foreordain's the same, 

" The difference only lies in term or name : 

" As sure as he did man to being call, 

" He well foreknew, and foreordained his fall." 

Be silent there, no more attempt to scan 

The works of Him who's infinite, vain man. — 

'Tis vain for those where light has dimly shone, 

To search what He has, or has not foreknown. 

Tho' thou the deeps through centuries explore, 

Thou then wilt be no wiser than beiore. 

Let reason and the scriptures teach thee true, 

His secrets are beyond thy reach and view. 

From wild presumption evermore refrain. 

And read one lesson that, indeed, is plain. 

" Secrets belong to the Great Deity, 

And only things that are reveal'd to thee. — 

Far from men's search are wisdom's secrets seal'd, 

To man belong the things that are reveal'd."* 

Would it not be a criminal offence, 

And much an earthly personage incense. 

Should one whose office was without to wait, 

Within the secret chamber penetrate ^ 

Or to the closet of a monarch steal, 

In quest of secrets he would not reveal ? 

One who should thus beyond his bounds intrude^ 

Would be a traitor, or a madman view'd. 

Tho' laws divine, may wink at men beguil'd, 

'Tis far more vain, disorderly, and wild. 

To penetrate exploring wisdom true. 

The subjects he conceals from man, to view. 

Things secret, to unfathom'd deeps belong, — 

All human struggles to unveil them wrong. 

The things reveal'd by the Great Deity, 

Are, in his wisdom, freely granted thee. 

Once in a search some busy ones were led. 
About the resurrection of the dead ; 

* Deut. xxix, 29, 



REDEMPTION OF MAN. 



15 



To find in what new bodies they appear, 

As tho' the tbeme was interesting here ; 

An article of consequence to view, 

In the religion that is pure and true. 

To find the form, explore the great abyss, 

That immaterial beings have in bliss. 

To those vain searchers in that hidden field, 

For knowledge not by wisdom yetreveal'd, 

To teach thern their presumption to resign, 

<' Thou fool," says Paul, the great and learned divine. 

It is a theme of consequence to find 

A resurrection from the carnal mind. 

The wise and prudent may descend in vain, 

The mysteries of the kingdom to explain ; 

They from the keenest vulture's eye are seal'd ; 

Things needful are to little ones reveal'd. 

To tell the diff'rence seems a plain relation, 
Between fore-knowledge and fore-ordination : 
'Tis just as great as it can be between 
A house I made, and one Fve only seen. 
The building, and the viewing are, we see. 
Quite as distinct as two plain things can be. 
A person may, with ease, discern the sun. 
Without the pow'r of making such a one ; 
Or he may build a fabric, high and grand, 
But cannot see it from a distant land. 
A man, as strength should aid his feeble eye, 
Might distant wonders of the world descry ; 
Yet that would not enable him, at all, 
Into existence one of these to call. 

A child may see, that cannot work, we find ; 
A man may work at many things, tho' blind. 
Another is possessed of both degrees, 
Can see with clearness, and can work with ease. 
Lo ! He has pow'r, who bears eternal sway, 
Worlds to create, and boundless space survey; 
Yet there's between them a distinction, quite 
As plain, as is between the day and night. 

The seers, at times, with sight have been endu'd, 
And into scenes of future ages view'd ; 



16 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

And by the strength of wisdom's boundless rays, 
Have things foretold to be in after days : 
Yet who would vainly common sense degrade, 
And say, the things that they foreknew, they made. 
The ancient Noah, who was filld with grace. 
Foreknew a flood would sweep the human race : 
A seer foreknew that Babylon would fall, 
For sin be lost, and found no more at all. 
To have a foresight of these things, is one ; 
Another thing, to have the wonders done. 
Then to foreknow and foreordain we view. 
Like sight and labour, as distinctly two : 
If man foreknows what man can't foreordain, 
Fore-knoivledge and fore-ordination's twain. 
He who, indeed, can no distinction find, 
By ignorance, or prejudice, is blind. 

Ti)at seeinsr organs are one thing, is true, 
Another thing, to see, all man can view. 
From many thing:s we miajht restrain our eyes, 
To keep the heart from anguish or surprise ; 
Or that our views. we might more nobly place. 
On things of value to the human race. 
Tho' God could with his boundless vision see, 
And range with ease immense futurity ; 
He might extend, or might contract his views. 
Exactly as Omnipotence should choose : 
Those, who to this, refuse to give consent, 
Almost assert he's not omnipotent: 
If he beholds all he can ever view. 
Why not perform the whole that he can do ? 

'Tis in his power to make a race of men, 
Compar'd with us, as strong as ten times ten ; 
To sink the mountains that are tow'ring high, 
Raise sunken valleys to the colour'd sky ; 
Form other worlds, if he should so incline, 
More suns and moons» most gloriously to shine, 
AVhere he's dispos'd to turn his eye, he sees ; 
And when to form, lo ! he creates with ease! 

That he to foreknow ev'ry thing was led, 
Appears oppos'd to what himself has said i 



REDEMPTION OP MAN. 17 

" Lo ! they have built high places they admire, 
To burn their sons and daughters in the fire : 
That they should thus from rectitude depart, 
I order'd not, nor came it in my heart.''* 

Strange ! why cannot an " age of reason" see 
It quite consistent with the Deity, 
By certain means to fairly try and prove, 
The strength of Adam, and his consort's love : 
Should they to their Creator's laws be true, 
'Twould magnify them highly in his view : 
Had they the path of faithfulness pursu'd, 
They'd been confirm'd in their first rectitude ; 
Establish'd on the rock that's sure for all. 
The basis from which they could never fall. 
Undoubtedly, and rais'd to honour great, 
By him whose pow'r could boundless worlds create. 

An ancient worthy, who was truly wise, 
Was cail'd upon, his son to sacrifice : 
When he had yielded, wisdom's voice obey'd. 
His hand was from the painful action stay'd. 
Now well I know, said he who reigns above, 
That thou art faithful unto me in love ; 
Since thou didst not from my commandment run. 
And, in thy will, withhold thy only son. 

See ancient Job, the patient, wise, and good, 
Was deeply prov'd, and his probation stood ! 
A double portion was the great reward, 
On him bestow'd by his most gracious Lord. 
Things small and great, must thoroughly be try'd. 
To know if they probation will abide. 
An axe that through the rugged knots has stood, 
The axe-man then, with pleasure, calls it good. 
A person will, with satisfaction, view, 
A servant prov'd, and found completely true. 

He who set man on this terrestrial placre, 
Has fix'd, we find, to prove the human race, 
** He^ who shall my true word of patience keep^ 
i will (says he) protect him thro' the deep ; 

• .Ter. vH. 31. § Rev, iii. 10. 

3 



18 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

The season of temptation, that shall fall. 

Without exception, on the great and small ; 

To try the pilgrims on the heav'nly road, 

And all who dwell upon the low abode." 

Not man alone must through the scene abide, 

E'en the foundation of the church was try'd. 

Behold, (among the mighty wonders shown) 

" I lay in Zion a foundation stone ; 

A tried stone, a basis firm and sure, 

That will thro' storms for evermore endure : 

A corner stone, that precious is indeed, 

He that believes shall not in haste proceed."* 

Yes, he who came mankind from death to free, 

Was tri'd by satan to extremity. + 

To prove all things was apprehended right, 

By him, whose love and pow'r is infinite. 

To prove all things, most surely is a plan. 

Consistent with the reason of a man : 

The all-wise King, who to be gracious, waits, 

To man's ideas himself accommodates : 

To prove all things created, seems to be, 

With him an irreversible decree. 

How free a parent with promotion pays 
His son, who loves him, honours, and obeys : 
The son, indeed, is magnifi'd in view, 
Just in proportion as he's prov'd, and true. 
The son that's tried, and false, let none admire. 
At the displeasure of the troubled sire. 
To him who's prov'd, and faithful, he will give 
A great reward ; in honour he shall live : 
He would not, in the trying scene, and day 
Of deep temptation, and probation, stray : 
On him the father will rich blessings pour. 
Till to receive, room can be found no more. 

This-doctrine is to common sense, as plain 
As that true love was not possess'd by Cain ; 
That silver luna is the lesser light, 
Made in creation, to adorn the night. 

* Isa. xxviii. 16. 



IlEDEMPTION OF MAN. 19 

With all his learning he must be a fool, 
Or vain adept inold Apollyon's school, 
Who had, in jeering, confidence to tell, 
*'For eating of an apple, Adam fell." 
Vain man, remember he who Adam made, 
Must, in his laws, be faithfully obey'd : 
Rude "age of reason," don't oppose and call, 
One thing by wisdom e'er commanded small ; 
Nor be surprised, should he withhold some fruit, 
That might thy pleasure, or thy relish suit ; 
Amidst the plenty, in the garden, free, 
There should not be a murmur heard from thee. 
Doubt not his right his children well to prove, 
To show their basis, and tlie depth of love; 
Mark, disobedience ever gave offence, 
Weak man must not control Omnipotence. 
Let unbelievers not beneath them deem. 
To pay renew'd attention to the theme, 
That none may say, on viewing Satan's tools, 
The age of reason is the age of fools. 

Paul, with his pen, has touch'd on themes like these, 
Fore-ordination and divine decrees : 
But Peter says, that " Paul the learn'd and good, 
Has written things hard to be understood ; 
Which the unlearn'd in wisdom that is best, 
And the unstable in religion wrest; 
As they have oft the other scriptures done. 
And thus they blindly to destruction run."* 

Too many seem in such a careless air. 
That they do not for Peter's caution care ; 
They grossly err upon the theme of love, 
Know not the scriptures, nor the povv'r above : 
" All things that ever come to pass, they cry, 
" Are pre ordain'd by him who reigns on high. 
" Great part of men are forc'd in sin to stand, 
*' That they may in eternal mis'ry land : 
" There are a few by his decree of love, 
*^ To gain the realms of blessedness above.'^ 

» 2 Pet. iii. 16. 



20 ON TliE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

Thus Calvin publishM an erroneous plan, 

" God fore-ordain'd, (said he,) the fall of man." 

He told this gross absurdity to all, 

Tliat *' God would have his creature man to fall.*' 

And Calvin's children love the path of ease, — 

To have all finish'd by divine decrees : 

They seeoi of greatest confidence possess'd, 

They were decreed to be among the bless'd. 

But others cannot with this scheme accord? 

Since ev'ry one must have a full reward. 

At the tribunal of the Deity, 

According as his works on earth shall be.* 

This doctrine of the reprobation plan, 
The fix'd destruction — partial choice of man. 
Is quite reverse from all we ever find, 
By ("hrist the Saviour of the human kind. 
This scheme is with prodigious folly fraught, 
Makes Paul destroy the doctrine that he taught, 
" Let suppSic'ations be performed for all," 
Was (hi* instruction and command, of Paul ; 
"For this is good, acceptable and right, 
In our most gracious, great Redeemer's sight ''"f 
Let none suppose that wisdom should be crav'd. 
To ransom souls that never can be sav'd. 
*' The Lord," says Paul, " from dark perdition's fate. 
Would have all sav'd, with a salvation great : 
For there's one God, one Mediator, free, / 

Between the i^ord, and huinan family, 
Christ Jesus, he who gave, in boundless grace, 
Himself a ransom for the human race." 

Paul further says, in wisdom's gracious plan, 
" Christ tasted death, indeed, for every man."! 
"The grace of God, that is salvation's call. 
Has made its kind appearance unto all.'^vj 
-Indeed the object of his saving grace, 
Is free salvation to the human race ; 



* Prov. xxiv. 1:2. Mat. xvi. 27. t I Tim. ii. 1 to 6. 
i Heb. ii. 9. § Tilus, ii. 11. 



REDEMPTION OP MAff. 

Ail have sufficient granted of the same, 
By him who as a gracious Saviour came, 
To save them in the awful judgment hour, 
If they would yield to its redeeming power. 
This light that is so gloriously unfurl'd, 
Enlightening all that come into the world,* 
Is like the running of a fountain, free — 
May be received, or not received by thee. 
Those who will listen to the Saviour's call, 
May have redemption, freely, from the fall. 

In vain may man the case of Pharaoh bring, 
The cruel tyrant — the Egyptian king, 
For the supporting of the strangest plan, 
That ever enter'd in the mind of man. 
His heart was like a crocodile, we see, 
By long oppression — direful cruelty : 
Himself he hardened of his own accord. 
Long time ere he was narden'd by the Lord. 
His crimes, indeed, were of the deepest hue, 
And down upon him, awful vengeance drew : 
He pass'd his day of visitation o'er. 
The voice of mercy he could hear no more ; 
His heart long hard, by his own cruel will, 
Of hardness God bestow'd on him his fill : 
Since he would not an ear to mercy lend, 
God hardened him to ruin in the end. 
The Lord, indeed, did on this monarch wait, 
In much long-suffering, and in patience great. 
Since this would not him to obedience bring. 
He was rejected by the heavenly King, 
And rais'd to show, as by a mighty hand, 
God's power throughout the kingdoms of the land. 
** Blessed are they who are in mercy free, 
"For they," said Christ, ''shall mercy gain of me."f 
'* He who would show no niercy to his kind, 
'• Without sweet mercy he shall judgment find."J 

This cruel doctrine of divine decrees, 
That seems so vainly, many minds to please, 

■ John, i, 9. t Mat. v. 7. J James, ii. 1 3. 

3* 



21 



22 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

Makes the great mission of the Son all-wise, 

(Who for lost man, bow'd as a sacrifice) 

Of nothing worth — Him as useless light — 

His mediation ineffectual quite. 

It makes, indeed, 'tis with such folly fraught, 

The preaching of the great apostles nought. 

It opens wide a door for all to press 

Headlong, in paths of gross licentiousness. 

It makes it folly, to a world in strife, 

To urge repentance, and a holy life : 

It veils the glory of the gospel day, 

And throws all grounds of precious hope away. 

It first decrees, and forces men to sin, 

Then charges them as criminals therein : 

It makes the Fountain of all purity. 

The sourse of sin, and not of grace, that's free : 

It makes the King, who boundless love unfurFd, 

The author of all evil in the world : 

It gives to him who boundless space can span, 

A character worse than the vilest man : 

Makes him more cruel, in his potent place. 

Than all the tyrants of the human race — 

Makes him a world of human beings hate — 

A helpless race of living men create. 

For nothing, but to banish from his sight, 

And seal their misery in eternal night. 

It truly seems as if the powers of man. 

Had some black aid in forming of the plan : 

It sure had not its origin above. 

For lo ! the Lord is everlasting love. 

How can a mind, that heeds the light at all, 
Believe, that he, the great apostle, Paul, 
In his renew'd — illuminated state, 
Would doctrine so blasphemous propagate — > 
ConcernM for truth, would in the smallest thing, 
Oppose the laws and usage of the King — 
Annul the precepts, and the blessed plan, 
Of him who came a sacrifice for man ; 
Against the rules, and exhortations fight, 
Of the apostles, who were in the light. 



REDEMPTION OF MAN. 23 

Paul, sure, would not a two-fac'd man appear, 

Preach up salvation, free for all with cheer ; 

And the next day, in contradiction tell 

The greatest part are fore-ordain'd for hell ! 

What he could mean, then, draws attention great, 

By "call'd'*' — by "chosen," and "predestinate.'^ 

That 'twas unto salvation he designed, 

We never can, by all our searching find. 

The word " salvation," is not us'd at all, 

While treating on the noble theme, by Paul. 

They were ordain'd, we find the text to run, 

" To be conformed to th' image of his son ;'' 

That is, in likeness to the Son above, 

In righteousness, in purity, and love. 

Elected '^ that he might a first-born be, 

Of many brethren in the family," 

That is, be raised unto pre-eminence — 

Stand as a chief, to rule in excellence — 

A noble office, in the church obtain, 

The ruling station of a first-born gain ; 

The first among the brethren there he view'd, 

A star, indeed, of the first magnitude, 

Here we are fairly to opinion led. 

That what, by Paul, was on the subject said, 

Related to the usefulness and sway 

Of individuals, in their time and day. 

That if the Lord e'er chose particular ones, 

He glorified them, as transparent suns — 

Lights in the spiritual universe to shine, 

For the increase of happiness divine. 

That instruments, by the Great Deity, 

Should be foreknown, cannot surprising be. 

He might determine noble ones to call. 

To rouse the sleepers from the gloomy fall : 

To choose good Noah, virtue to impress — 

To be a preacher of pure righteousness — 

Impower Moses, Jacob's seed to draw 

From bitter bondage, and give forth the law 5 

To raise a David, in some after days, 

To save his people? and to sound his praise : 



24 ON THE CjREATlON, THE FALL, AND 

To choose the prophets, dignified for good, 
That future ages, when they understood 
Their prophecies accoroplish'd, might incline 
To view the Christian system as divine. 
So Christ's disciples chosen were, and led, 
That they might tidings of salvation spread. 
So Paul was chosen by pure heavenly grace, 
To sound the gospel to the Gentile race. 

Such words as " chosen" — '' fore-ordained" relate 
To usefulness of individuals great. 
While in the church, they, in their stations, move; 
Not their salvation, in the reahiis above, 
Judicious reader, may to thee appear. 
From good attention to the emblem clear, 
That this apostle (to religion true) 
On this occasion offers to our view: 
" Shall the thing formed the maker's power deny r 
Why hast thou form'd me in this manner, cry ? 
Hath not the potter power o'er the clay, 
Of the same lump ? shall he not bear the sway ; 
To make one vessel unto hunour true f 
Another to dishonour in our view f""^ 
The potter some for splended uses makes, 
And others for more ordinary takes : 
But he makes none of high or low degrees, 
To dash to pieces, that himself may please. 
The Lord hath chosen individuals great. 
For glorious stations, in the church or state ; 
While others, with the common mass, more mean, 
Are not in any noble actions seen. 
Nor have the latter reason to complain, 
That God is partial, in the loss or gain. 
More than he varies blessings he bestows : 
On some earth s fatness, like a river flows : 
While others pious, quite reversely fare, 
Of temporal riches have a scanty share. 
The rich, indeed, are not from troubles freCj 
They have their burdens of anxiety ; 

* Rom. ix. 20. 21. 



BEDEMFTION OP MAN. 25 

The poor may, surely, gracious blessings find — 
The choicest riches is a peaceful mind. 

Come, listen now, with an attentive ear, 
To what was written by an ancient seer : 
*' When he who once was righteous turns away, 
Most foolishly from righteousness to stray, 
And follows vainly each ungodly plan, 
Abominations of the wicked man, 
Shall he then live, who loves in sin to run ? 
Not so indeed — the good that he hath done, 
Shall not be mentioned at the judgment day ; 
He discontinued wisdom to obey. 
In vain may he for precious mercy cry ; 
He shall for his abominations die. 
W hat did the weeper o'er Jerusalem say ? 
" If thou hadst known, e'en thou, in this thy day, 
The things that to salvation appertain — 
The joy and glory that the ransom'd gain ; 
But thou wouldst not regard the Saviour's cries, 
And now, behold ! they're hidden from thine eyes.''* 
There was a day, to you I plainly tell, 

ye ! who in the favour'd city dwell, 

When blest with grace, and by the light that shone, 
The way of peace you clearly might have known. 

1 then was willing to have gather'd you, 
Just as a hen, is to her chickens true ; 
But ye would not the day of mercy prize, 
Therefore the light is hidden from your eyes. 
I olTcr'd mercy from the seat of grace, 

A mansion in the heavenly resting place ; 

But ye refused the riches of my store, 

Now is your day of visitation o'er. 

These things, and more, may be perus'd by youth. 

And those who would investigate the truth ; 

And all who will not close their eyes can see 

The laws and usage of the Deity : 

That his decrees are righteousness to bless. 

And with destruction punish wickedness. 

* Ezekiel xviii^ 



26 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

We find that Adam had a seat bestow'd, 
Where every blessing to perfection ftow'd : 
For disobeoience see the punishment. 
He was from the delightful garden sent. 
Mankind were once to wickedness so bound, 
By a great deluge all the world was drown'd. 
Old Sodom was for her transgression dire, 
Consum'd by rain of brimstone and of fire. 
They sinn'd, indeed, and their great punishment, 
On them for their own wickedness was sent. 
The Israelites rebelling on the road, 
Were not admitted to the rich abode ; 
That those who enter'd, and who there rebelPd, 
Were from the fertile, promis'd land expell'd. 
That those who sought Jerusalem above, 
And fell away from confidence and love, 
Had no admittance, with the heavenly blest, 
To saints and angels' everlasting rest. 

This was the doctrine of the King, all-wise, 
And of his Son, who came a sacrifice : 
Of seers, of saints, evangelists, and those 
Who by true wisdom, unto glory rose. 
To cast this doctrine from its ancient seat. 
Would overthrow Christianity complete ; 
From its sure orbit sooner might be hurl'd 
The Great Creator's glorious work — the world. 

Let me consider — Calvin's scheme review, 
Admit the whole to be divine and true, 
That God, by his immutable decree, 
Has fore-ordain'd the fall of man to be : 
That men were guided, when we thought they sinn'd, 
Just like machines, by water or by wind ; 
The drunkard, liar, and blasphemer, then 
Are acted on, just like the writer's pen. 
The thief must steal, the murderer luust kill, 
Those we call vile, perform the holy will. 
And all the faithful to their sov'reign Lord; 
Have sure a gracious, adequate reward : 
'Twill be, in justice, granted ev^ry one, 
According to the service he hath done. 



REDEMPTION OF MAN. 

Those who by love aod piety would please, 
Must share less pay than pirates on the seas : 
The conqueror, by whom are millions slain, 
Will be rewarded with a boundless gain. 
The tyrant, who led martyrs to the slake, 
A vast enjoyment will indeed, partake. 
As water is the element for fish, 
Prepar'd for them completely to a wish : 
The air for fowls, that joyful take their flight ; 
The moles in earthly, dark abodes delight ; 
So surely, all the fore-ordained for hell, 
Are fitted there, in happiness to dwell. 
Tho' ten times hotter than the fiery wo. 
For Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednrgo ; 
Such bodies, sure, are granted them complete, • 
As stand the great extremity of heat : 
'Twill only be a flow of glowing love, 
On them bestow'd in justice from above. 
The heat, indeed, will not the scene annoy. 
But much augment the sweetness of the joy. 
If Calvin's system is but good and pure, 
To all the world is free salvation sure : 
God's will is done by all the human race, 
x\nd all will find a blissful resting place. 
Of many systems that would lead to bliss, 
We rarely find one so complete as this. 
As people dwell in valleys with delight, 
Sometimes superior to the mountain's height; 
Here's heav'n below, more glorious than above, 
A free reward of everlasting love. 

Most vainly Adam, and his consort Eve, 
Let the old subtle serpent them deceive : 
'I'he devil, who in asjuooth form appear'd 
Them with the love of useful knowledge cheer'd ; 
He who was busy, with deception there, 
Most enviously survey 'd the happy pair : 
He looked upon them with a pleasing eye, 
And said, " Indeed ye shall not surely die.'' 
He contradicted the Creator great, 
To lure our parents from their happy state — 



27 



28 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

To draw them from fidelity to vice, 
And rob them of their blissful paradise. 
Transform'd as to an angel wise and good, 
He was first liar who the truth withstood — 
The first entirerinto sin we see, 
To be transacted with impunity ; 
First preacher on the universal plan, 
That life is certain to rebellious man ! 
He who thus whispered in an ancient hour, 
Is busy still, with his alluring pow'r : 
Since his first smiling on our mother Eve, 
With his enchantments, vilely to deceive ; 
He ne'er was known more warmly to engage, 
And fight the truth than in the modern age : 
His business seems much in the ancient line, 
By cunning falsehoods truth to undermine. 

The Prince of Peace, when on the earth, declar'd, 
** If ye should die in sin, and unprepar'd, 
Whtre I shall go, it is the firm decree, 
You cannot come, nor yet the kingdom see." 
" Not all that say, Lord, Lord, to me are blest, 
Nor enter into the eternal rest ; 
But only those, who righteousness fulfil. 
Perform my great, and heavenly father s will." 
Christ told of one, who with a dread surprise, 
In bitter torment lifted up his eyes ; 
He, in the depth of his unceasing pain. 
To cool his tongue, for water cali'd in vain. 

Man's foe appears, and sovereign goodness feigns, 
Opposes Him, who in his kingdom reigns ; . 
He with a train of subtle reasoning cheers, 
That to dark man invincible appears. 
Though men continue in their sins, he'll teach, 
To them salvation, universal preach ; 
7 hat though thro' life they should remain impure, 
To them eternal happiness is suie. 
This old allurer into ev*ry sin, 
Delights to lull the world asleep therein : 
He tells the Universalis! the lie. 
Fear not at all, " Ye shall not surely die.'* 



REDEMPTION OF MAN. 29 

He is a busy whisperer to those, 
Decreed to life, as fondly they suppose, 
Tells them of the unchangeable decree, 
Fear not " Ye shall not surely die," says be. 
To some, who tamely follow satan's nod, 
He smiles on them, and says, "There is no God/' 
■ * There is (says he, when men to him incline) 
No revelation unto man divine ; 
This is a theme the visionary feign, 
Beyond the grave there is noplace of pain :" 
" Some have no souls," he whispers in his plan ; 
• ' There is no devil," he declares to man. 

From innocency — happiness entire,* 
Our parents fell into transgression dire : 
An adversary, who would subjects win, 
By guile and malice drew them into sin. 
He's calFd the Serpent — Satan nam'd likewise; 
And Dragon — Devil ;t full of cunning lies. 
To tell his form, some seem to search with pain. 
And run to notions that are wild and vain : 

^On this subject the learned and pious Thomas EUvvood has written 
as follows : "But from tliis state of innocency and happiness they fell, 
being betrayed by the malice and guile of an adversary ; who he was, 
and how he came to be so, must be nought elsewhere ; for Moses in 
this relation gives no account of the fall or indeed, of the creation of 
angels, yet frequent mention we afterwards find in the holy scriptures 
of angels, and those both good and bad. Good they were all created, 
as all things else were that God made ; but that some of them kept 
not their first estate, but left their own habitation, and through pride, 
aspiring higher, sinned against God, and were by him cast down to hell, 
we are taught by the apostles Peter and Jude, 2 Pet. ii. 4. Jude vi, to 
which some additional light is given from Job iv. 18, John viii. 44, 
and I John iii. 8. The chief of these fallen angels, called here the 
serpent, and afterwards the old serpent, Rev. xx. 2 ; and Beelzebub, or, 
the prince of the devils, which were (he rest of those angels that fell 
also ; envying the happiness of man, that he should retain and enjoy 
that state of innocency and bliss, in which he was made and set, 
whereas they had forfeited and lost theirs, contrived how to beguile 
the man and draw him also into transgression, that he might have 
him a companion in punishment ; and in order thereunto he thus set 
upon the woman, as the weaker vessel, by whom, if gained, he might 
flie more easily prevail upon the man." 

f Rev.xx. 2, 10. ^ 

4 



30 ON THE CREATION? THE FALL, AND 

Since this is far beyond their reach to find, 
They'd better much their proper business mind. 

The best account of Satan is, he stood 
Once as an angel, who was great and good; 
The sacred scriptures of the Serpent tell. 
That he and comrades all from heaven tell : 
In boundless pride, he drew a potent train, 
Rebell'd that he in majesty might reign, 
And was cast out, in an alarming hour,* 
By great, almighty, and eternal Power. 
He's call'd Abaddon, as the Hebrews speak, 
And nam'd Apollyon, it is said, in Greek ;t 
The angel of the pit that's bottomless — 
A roaring lion, seeking to distress.J 
He yet remains a foe to God and man — 
IVlakes use of lies, and all the pow'r he can, 
To rob the Lord of glory, and to cause 
The sons of men to break his righteous laws. 
He by enchantments, to deceive the true. 
The third part of the stars of heaven drew ; 
Which may, no doubt of pious men be view'd, 
Who shone on earth, as stars of magnitude. 
The gracious counsel, should be view'd by all, 
Who think they stani. to watch against a fall. 

Alas! our parents were beguil'd, we see, 
To eat the fruit of the forbidden tree : 
They disobey'd — they beauteous Eden sold, 
They lost God's image, by transgression bold 5 
Put off their robe of innocence and love, 
And holiness, their garment from above. 
Yes, dear their vain and empty pleasure cost, 
For they their master's living presence lost. 
They disobey'd the high, divine command, 
Did not their season of probation stand. 
Most vainly they the law divine transgress'd, 
And were expelled from their delightful rest : 
They so incurr'd the great Creator's rod. 
They lost the life that's hid with Christ in God. 

• Rev. xi).9. + Rev. ix 11, ^ 1 Pet. v. 8. 



REDEMPTION OF MAN. 31 

For disobedience, judgment was their doom, 
Death took possession, with its dreary gloom. 

Yet we believe no guilt at all is laid, 
To infant's charge, for Adam's blunder made. 
Till they against the saving light transgress, 
And run of choice, into unrighteousness. 
This we from scripture, and right reason, draw, 
" Sins not imputed where there is no law." 
No law can reach the infant state an hour. 
Before reception of the mental pow'r. 
Those who no laws can hear or understand, 
For breaking laws what justice chem can land. 
In a deep pit of dark eternal gloom ? 
Or for a parent's sin to misery doom ? 
This can't be done, 'tis clear, without dispute, 
So long as justice is an attribute : 
While purest love the essence is complete. 
Of Hi»n who deigns to fill the mercy seat. 

Some in a maze of deep delusion tell. 
Of infants not a span in length, in hell. 

Presumptuous men who bold to such a theme. 

The Deity most horribly blaspheme ; 

Dark beings gloom'd in Babylonish night, 

Who hate the shining of the gospel light- 

** The soul that sins, that very soul shall die, 

The father's sin upon the son can't lie."* 

Now if no sin is charg d upon the son, 

For that which was by bis own father done, 

Far less will he be call d upon at all. 

To bear the sin of ancient Adam's fall. 

The Prince of Peace, displaymg love intense, 

Proclaim'd the state of children's innocence ; 

Was he not like one almost fill'd with charms. 

When he enclosed them in his sacred arms ; 

" Young children suffer to come near to me ; 

Behold, for such the heav'nly kingdom's free.^f 
Tho' man had fallen from his blissful state, 

The Lord look'd down, in his compassion great 5 

*Ezek. xviii, tMat, xix. 13. 



32 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AN0 

And seeing he bad been deceiv'd in heart. 

And that no malice drew him to depart; 

No vain presumption led him thus to flee, 

But 'twas the serpent's wondrous subtlety : 

And by the mediation of his mate, 

Man's social partner, in his lonely state 5 

The great Creator, in his tender care, 

Foresaw a way the mischief to repair, 

Regain the loss, and fallen man restore : 

A nobler Adam than the one before. 

Was promisM of a woman to be born, 

For man a ransom from the state forlorn. 

As by a woman, man had been undone, 

When in temptation, by the wicked one ; 

So, in due time, he, by the sex that's fair, 

Should come impow'red, the evil to repair. 

He who is mighty should appear, 'tis said. 

He would prevail, and bruise the serpent's head. 

That this should be in the appointed hour. 

To grant deliv'rance from the serpent's pow'r. 

All this was in an after day fulfill'd. 

Just as the Father infinite had wilPd. 

Lo ! he appear'd from the divine abode. 

By dispensation of the Son of God. 

The Lord beheld his creature man undone, 

In great compassion sent his only Son : 

He who is gracious, merciful, and wise, 

Deign'd for lost men to be a sacrifice : 

In condescenlion for the world's great loss. 

Took human flesh, and died upon the cross; 

Whereby for man, in gloomy darkness stray'd, 

A wretched captive, he the ransom paid, 

When he had yielded, and had took his flight, 

He sent his spirit for an inward light. 

Illuminating all in darkness hurl'd ; 

" He lights each one that comes into the world :"* 

Inviting thro' the visitation day, 

To come from the captivity away : 

"^ John i. 9, 



REDEMPTION OF MAN. 33 

Entreating all to hear aud understand, 
And come from Egypt to the promis'd land : 
That as the ransom now is paid complete, 
They may enjoy the everlasting seat. 

But man, in fact, can never walk the road, 
Advances make towards the blest abode, 
One step unaided^ any more than can 
A dead man rise, and be a living man. 
To raise the dead, essential is the call, 
The voice of him who first created all j 
So it remains an everlasting law, 
** No man can come, except the Father draw :''*' 
Then man must wait upon him for his hour, 
The season of extended love and powV ; 
And when he feels the drawings of the Son, 
With ease and pleasure he the path may run. 
Tis when the heart is freely drawn by grace, 
And then alone, we run the heav'nly race. 

When Adam sinn'd — by Satan led astray, 
The Lord reprov'd him, in the cool of day; 
So now we oft are call'd upon for sin. 
Just when the heart and all is cool within. 
This visitation from the living truth. 
Is oft extended to the ag'd and youth ; 
To all there is a most propitious hour, 
When they may hear the inward voice with povv'r* 

From the deep pit, wherein the sinner lies, 
In death-like gloom, the call is to arise ; 
And when attention to the word is paid. 
The fallen creature may discern his aid. 
The voice is gracious, lo ! it sounds within. 
To woo the heart, and draw away from sin : 
The voice of wisdom, that was ever true 
The great Creator of the heart anew. 
The first old heaven and earth must pass away, 
A new be form'd, for righteousness to sway. 
Here's strength sufficient granted, as we wait, 
To rise to life — to a triumphant slate. 

* John vi. 44. 

4* 



34 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AN1> 

When the transgressor feels condemn'd within. 
And deeply wounded, with the guilt of sin: 
When he's oppress'd with stings of conscience, there, 
For faults no mortal could to him declare ', 
Then is the time to listen and to hear, 
The still small voice that's sounding in the ear. 
This voice is wisdom, in the inward part, 
'Tis Christ in spirit, knocking at the heart : 
He calls the sleeper to awake, arouse ; 
*' Open to me, my sister and my spouse : 
My head is wet while knocking here, 'tis true, 
My locks are fill'd with the nocturnal dew." 
If man still cleaves unto his darling sin, 
And will not let the gracious Knocker in ; 
If he then closes up his eye and ear, 
W ill not the voice of truth and wisdom hear, 
Nor pay attention to the word divine ; 
The light within, that's brightly sent to shine : 
Continues thro' his visitation day, 
The long repeated calls to disobey; 
What then must be the consequence or cost? 
The glorious kingdom is for ever lost. 
There's no admittance, thro' the gate above, 
For those who will not hear the voice of love; 
Without the city then the soul must dwell, 
Where satan, when cast out of heaven, fell : 
There murderers, cheats, and vile blasphemers cry, 
And ev'ry fool that loves and makes a lie.* 

Lo! Christ is now, as said a saint renown'd, 
Not by ascending, nor descending found :f 
The word from sin that calls thee to depart. 
Is very nigh thee, in thy mouth and heart. 
The call is sounded, and the light display'd. 
And all have heard, but all have not obey'd.J 

Once in the flesh, the meek Messiah came, 
And wrought great wonders, by his potent name ; 
His^ second coming is, indeed, within, || 
Where he is calling to redeem from sin. 

^Rev. xxii. 15. t Rom. x. 6, 7, 8. :^ Rom. x. 16, 18. 

fjJohnxvi. 7, 13. Col. i. 27. 



ilEDE.Ml'TION OF MAN. 



35 



'Tis not consistent with the love that's free, 
To force one soul into felicity — 
To force to happiness indeed's a theme - 
That's inconsistent to a great extreme. 
Man must obey the sacred call of grace, 
Or he can never see his Maker's lace ; 
And none can true, accepted subjects prove, 
Unless they do their Lord and Master love. 

A plain and easy, most consummate plan, 
Is form'd by wisdom for his creature man, 
To reach the promised, and the peaceful land, 
By love sincere, and heeding his command. 
In ancient times were requisitions three, 
So they remain for evermore to be ; 
To justly do, and also mercy love. 
And humbly walk before the Lord above. * 
All must obey, though they probation find, 
And crosses trying to the carnal mind. 
" No man, says Christ, can my disciple be, 
Unless he takes his cross, and follows me."| 
Altho' the leader, proving us may call 
To little things, or those appearing small. 
Let none forget the language, where we read, 
*' The kingdofn's like a grain of mustard seed ; 
Which tho' but small — diminutive to view, 
Kose in the garden — with great vigour grew." 
We must be faithful, when with grace endu'd, 
In little things, and those of magnitude. 

The invitation is to every sj)u1 — 
The love that flows, extends from pole to pole : 
•' Come look to me, ye who in gloom are hurl'd, 
From the reiriotest corners of" the world, "| 

"Lo! wisdom cries, her solemn call repeats, 
Her plaintive voice she utters in the streets ; 
How long will ye yet love, O simple ones ! 
Simplicity ! O vain and foolish sons ! 
And scorners in their jeering take delight, 
And fools hate knowledge, that would guide them right. 

* Micah, vi. 8. t Mat. xvi. 24. i Isaiah, xlv. 22. 



36 ON THE CREATION, THE FALL, AND 

Turn ye at my reproof, rebel no more, 
Then 1 will on you of my spirit pour. 
Because ye set my counsel all at nought, 
And would not heed instruction when 1 taught, 
I'll laugh when your calamity is near, 
And mock at you, when you are filPd with fear : 
When fear arrives, and makes all desolate. 
And like a whirlwind, your destruction's great ; 
When you of darkness see the fearful gloom, 
And when distress and anguish is your doom, 
You will on me, in awful terror call, 
But I'll not answer, nor regard at all."* 

There's one strait path, that leads to lasting gain, 
And one that's broad, the end of which is pain ; 
Come take your choice, O sons of men be wise, 
For as the tree falls, so it ever lies — f 
The soul that uiisses heaven, loses all ; 
There's no redemption, from this pit no call. 

Here contemplate the mighty worlds that roll, 
And boundless region that contains the whole — 
The glorious station for each star and sun, 
And Heeting lights that in their orbits run : 
The laws are there immutably obey'd, 
Of im, who this stupendous structure made. 
Shall man with reason bounteously endu'd, 
Slight common sense, and treat his Makei rude .^ 
Be in transgressing his commands allow' d — 
For breath dependant, say, shall he be proud .'* 
Supply'd with food, with rain and sunshine free, 
Shall he run on in immorality ? 
When offer'd ri'hes, pleasures, glory, grace, 
Pursue the path of Cain's delinquent race ? 
Oh, no, for nothing wicked or unclean, 
Can be within the holy city seen. 
Tiien mind the free, redeeming call, O youth ! 
And those in years, to listen to the 'Truth — 
Obfry the King of glory and renown, 
Thou then wilt gain an everlasting crown. 

» Prov. i. f Eccl. xi. 3. 



Redemption of man. ot 

Let evVy heart (tb' important theme to sum) 
Flee from each evil, and the wrath to come ; 
Let one and all, from aged to the youth, 
Not fear the crosses in the path of truth. 
And let the children of the kingdom hear, 
Obey the call that's solemn in the ear ; 
If they will not from vanity refrain, 
An awful sentence they must hear with pain ; 
Many shall come and (lock from east to west. 
And with the ancient patriarchs shall rest ; 
Shall sit within the kingdom of renown, 
Cloth'd with white robes and with a golden crown. 
While those who were the kingdom's heirs, are cast 
In utter darkness evermore to last. 

Let those who have been taught of rectitude, 
Who may be children of the kingdom view'd — 
Instructed freely while in days of youth. 
The precious path of everlasting truth. 
Not wander from the strait and narrow way, 
Nor from true wisdom, into folly stray. 
Let no one give a tender parent pain, 
Nor wound the church, for "godliness is gain." 
Take heed to truth, and not the cross refuse, 
There's set before thee, life or death to choose. 
The faithful find, in pure religion gain'd 
A hundred fold for all the loss sustain'd ; 
And at the end of this short race is found, 
A rest, where pleasures evermore abound. 

Truth from the breast of worldly joys will wean. 
Support the mind through every trying scene ; 
It is the aid of every weary soul — 
And keeps the heart, in deep affliction, whole. 
'Tis lasting treasure — richest ever known — 
The mighty rock — the sure foundation stone : 
Truth ne'er decay'd, nor will it ev^er fail, 
Nor o'er its power, the gates of hell prevail. 

Though wealth might vanish, as from Job renown'd. 
The best supporter, in the truth is found — 
Thoujrh stripp d of spouse, and every joy terrene. 
^Tis the sustainer in the trying scene. 



3S ON THE TRUE MINISTRY, WAR, 

Should famine grimly stare thee in the face, 

Lo ! there is granted, all sufficient grace — 

Though thou the terrors of the grave might see. 

Just as the day is, so thy strength will be. 

" Although the trees no more to bloom incline, 

Nor fruit appear that long adorn'd the vine — 

The ohve fail hei labour sweet to yield, 

And herbage cease from garden and from field — 

The fleecy flocks all vanish from the fold, 

Nnr field nor stall, a living creature hold; 

Yet those who in Messiah trust alone, 

Who build on Truth, the sure foundation stone, 

Shall raibc, with joy, a sweet triumphant voice, 

And in their great salvation's God rejoice."* 

— ^» •• *©«<^^ «»» •— 

THOUGHTS 

ON THE TRUE MINISTRY— ON WAR— ON UNIVERSAL PEACE* 
AND THE GLORIES OF THE PROMISED DAY. 



One rightly influenc'd the gospel to preacb, 
Must be cloth'd in pure love universal to teach. 
No man takes this honour on him, we are told, 
But he who is call'd, as was Aaron of old."f 
Non-essential are arts — theological rules, 
And the learning in high estimation in schools. 
He who is enliven d the truth to impart, 
Proclaims with a power that reaches the heart. 
He invites us from darkness, delusion and harm, 
And out of Mount Zion he sounds an alarm. 
In theflowings of love, he invites from the fall ; 
Glad tidings proclaims, in his good- will to all. 
A watchman that's true, in the service he\s found. 
Of the Lamb that was slain, rose again, and is crown'd. 
Just like the good man, from his heart we behold. 
He brings forth his treasures of things new and old. 

^ Hab, ill. 18, 13. t Heb. v. 4. 



UNIVETISAL FEACE, SiC. 39 

He calls us to heed the true light that's within,* 
That shows the great folly and vileness of sin ; 
The great mental teacher, the wisdom that's best, 
To lead from dark Egypt to Zion's true rest. 
He freely receives, and as freely he gives ; 
He preaches the gospel and of it he lives : 
To refuse when he's call'd by the highest control, 
Would land him in wo, and in death of the soul. 
He invites one and all, from the aged to youth, 
To justice and mercy — to dwell in the truth ; 
To humbly pursue the plain path, to true peace, 
In Messiah's own glorious reign to increase ; 
To seek for the riches, and pleasures of love, 
Enjoy'd in their fulness, in heaven above; 
The city of light, whose foundation is sure ; 
The rest that will through boundless ages endure ; 
Where prophets and martyrs, and angels are crovvn'd; 
Whjse Builder and Maker and King is renovvn'd. 

He calls us from war and its spirit to run, 
As we would the jaws of a crocodile shun : 
He tells us we need not an enemy fear. 
If we trust in the Lord ; our faith is sincere. 
The mountains will move, and the hills skip away ; 
No enemy covet our lands in that day. 
The ancients found gracious defence from above, 
As their faith was unshaken, and constant their love. 
Pknn, influencd by this, without weapon or strife, 
Abode with wild Indians, a peaceable life. 
Like him, let us trust in the name of the Lord ; 
The tower that is strong, his invincible word : 
Who trusts in his power that long has been prov'd, 
Shall be as Mount Zion, that can't be remov'd. 

The true Bishop waits, so his strength doth renew; 
The good of mankind is his object in view. 
By him hath the wisdom most ancient been sought — 
The rich and the poor are by him freely taught; 
As free as sunshine, or as rain from above : [love. 

'Tis a stream that springs fresh, from the source of pur^ 

* John i. 9. Rom. i. 19. 



40 ON THE TRUE MINISTRY, WAR, 

It runs like a river, the hour its reveal'd, 

From a garden enclos'd — from a fountain unseal'dv 

It flows like a stream, with pure ardour to all ; 

To come to Mount Zion he sounds forth his call. 

On Lebanon's mountains, no longer to stay ; 

To come from the top of Amana away : 

From Shenir and Hermon — from lion's dens near, 

And hills and high mountains where leopards appear. 

To come from the seat, from the source of all pride, 

Where rational creatures to misery shde ; 

To come from all wars, from contention and strife. 

The pest of mankind, the destroyer of life. 

Men deafer than adders, and blinder than moles, 
Make war, when the great prince of darkness controls. 
Like lions, and leopards, the wild beasts of prey, 
Behold I in great fury their fellows they slay ! 
Lo i thousands of thousands are slain in the field. 
Where the engines of death and destruction they wield ; 
Separating of men from their wives who are dear, 
And chiklren from parents, who truly are near: 
Desolating of cities and nations in strife. 
And taking from millions the staff of their life. 

Give me leave upon you, O ye females to call, 
To unite in a cause so important to all ; 
Let the subject of love and of peace be your choice, 
Unite on the theme with one heart and one voice, 
That neighbours and states may in harmony dwell— 
The extent of your interest you scarcely can tell. 
Come use your most fervent exertions, that those 
May dwell in true love, who were once hateful foes. 
Let the fair sex united, their influence bend, 
That quarrels and wars, in the world may all end. 
Fear not, in truth's cause, O ye women, to run ! 
In Christ, both the male, and the female are one. 
To the rulers of nations and states raise your cry, 
And their power to sacrifice subjects deny. 
Inform them that shedding of blood is to cease. 
In the reign of Messiah, the great Prince of Peace j 
That those who depart from his blest peaceful laws, 
Are not his good subjects nor true to his cause. 



VNIVERSAL PEACE, kc. 41 

The weapons of war cease for ever to wield, 
'Tis far from true honour to die in the field. 

How long ! ah, how long ! O most blest peaceful day 
By ancients foretold, wilt thou yet thus delay ; 
When glittering swords shall to ploughshares be made. 
And pruning hooks form'd of the spears on parade ; 
When the rising of nation 'gainst nation is o'er 
And the science of war none will learn any more — 
When pride, hatred, malice, and murder shall cease, 
Superceded by love, and the glories of peace. 

Were the great gospel light, the full force ofhis rays, 
Unobstructed to shine, we might soon see the days. 
When wars and the rumours of wars, would all cease, 
And the standard be rais'd, of the great Prince of Peace, 
Then nation no more against nation shall rise ; 
For famine and war, peace and plenty they prize. 
No widow nor orphan, whose mourning is seal'd, 
For a husband or father, who fell in the field. 
Of instruments war-like, unheard is the sound ; 
Instead of a curse, greatly blest is the ground. 
The horrors of war are not seen on the plain, 
Nor garment that's stain'd in the blood of the slain , 
For a Child now is born, and a Son to us giv'n. 
His government's peace, on the earth and in hcav'n ; 
His kingdom will stand with bold warriors, the test. 
And the government on His own shoulders must rest. 
For wisdom and pow'r, He was anciently fam'd, 
And Wonderful, Counsellor, mighty God, nam'd ; 
Everlasting kind Father, and great Prince of Peace, 
Whose blest, peaceful kingdom and reign, must increase, 
Till a joyful, sweet peace, universal is known, 
And for ever on earth he's establish'd his throne. 

Enlist in the cause — O unite in the theme, 
'Tis not a vain thought, nor chimerical dream. 
O rational beings, come lend all your aid, 
And the noble end answer for which you were made. 
Lo ! we were created for peace and for love, 
To honour and worship our Maker above. 
O cease from war's spirit, and fervently pray 
For peace universal, the long promis'd day, 

5 



42 ON THE TRUE MINISTRY, WAR, 

Messiah there rules — he's the great Prince of Peace , 

Yes, under his government wars shall all cease. 

Of whose blessed reign 'tis the glory indeed, 

That the wolf and the lamb, in one pasture can feed. 

Here's an end to the sword, bombs & cannons that roar, 

And slaughtering arts none will learn any more : 

No kings force the people their battles to fight, 

Nor men who in war's fancied honours delight. 

Bold warriors united, all lay down their arms, 

In the spirit of peace, and the love of its charms. 

The armies that long have infested the land. 

The greatest of scourges, with pleasure disband. 

No pirates are found on the seas to annoy ; 

Nor ships that are built, men and wealth to destroy. 

Such vessels as Fulton the First, they have nam'd. 

Are totally useless, and no more are fam'd. 

The world shouts for joy — human carnage is o'er; 

Yes nation shall rise against nation no more. 

The aged and those in the bloom of their youth, 
Delight to obey the plain dictates of truth : 
They'll not let the lies of the serpent delude ; 
Nor treat their meek Saviour with ingratitude ; 
Nor let him stand calling with mercy in view, 
Till his head is all fill'd with the nocturnal dew. 
They'll open the door of the heart with delight. 
Ere his locks are bedew'd with the moisture of night. 
In a feast of fat things, they together will join ; 
They'll eat of his manna and drink of his wine. 
A covenant firm as the mountains will make. 
And their love and their duty will never forsake. 

Here the youth with true wisdom the narrow way 
choose, 
The pleasures of sin, and the broad way refuse : 
In shunning of vanity, folly and strife. 
They find an increase of enjoyments in life ; 
Universal true justice and mercy they love, 
Walk humbly before the Great Spirit above. 

The people in union assemble, and wait 
On the King, who is gracious, eternal, and great ; 



UNIVERSAL PEACE, &C. 43 

they'll not be so dark, or so blind, or unwise, 
To let husbandry, politics, trades, merchandise, 
From worship divine, their attention allure. 
From treasures celestial, delightful and pure. 
Much lime, old and young, in devotion employ, 
And great is their peace, and sublime is their joy. . 

Some thousands of volumes that led the dear youth, 
From virtue, from wisdom, religion, and truth, 
Did many unguarded in mind captivate. 
To a region of gloom, to a labyrinth great : 
The people unite, with one heart and one voice, 
Such books to commit to the flames, and rejoice. 
From corrupt publications, the eye and the ear. 
They turn to such books as enlighten and cheer ; 
Thro' the various scenes that occur in the road, 
That leads to Messiah's celestial abode. 

Here is obliterated the infidel's creed, 
No fool that would sow a deistical seed ; 
Men hrt d not the lies that some jeeringly tell, 
That for eating an apple our first parents fell : 
There's wisdom that all may the crime understand, 
That is, gro>s disobeying the word of command. 
A Voltaire, a Gibbon, Hume, Byron, and Paine, 
Are known to be grossly deluded and vain. 

H ere's an end to card players, h those who are lewd ; 
To all who are guilty of ingratitude. 
No sland'ring is known, and Apollyon's vile band, 
Of swearers, and liars, all cease in the land 
On the earth is not one of the vile, daring train, 
\V ho the name of the all-awing Judge takes in vain. 
Nota fool who would wish the commandments to break, 
To lie, curse, and swear, all for vain fashion's sake. 

The train of stage- players are all at an end ; 
A theatre, none on the earth will attend : 
We see them in flames in the cities around, 
As tho' the Almighty upon them had frown'd. 
Horse-racing, cock fighting, diversion of fools ; 
Are extinct, with wild duels, and vain fencing schools ; 
No drunkard*:, nor tippjing-hoiises, are known, 
Nor poor hungry families making their moan. 



44 ON THE TRUE MINISTRY, WAR, 

Ail disdain the vain thoughts of the cups and excess, 
Of leaving their children and wives in distress : 
And people would liv e upon water and bread, 
Ere richly by tippling profits be fed. 

From meeting together the youth's all refrain, 
For converse, or plays, or diversion that's vain : 
The Deity's fear'd, and behold, 'tis a day, 
When children their parents with pleasure obey : 
They delight in the Lord, and in objects sublime ; 
In mirth and in dancing, none waste precious time : 
They follow no courses, rude, vicious, nor vain, 
That give tender parents affliction and pain ; 
They never can plunge them in grief and in tears, 
Who train'd them with care from their infantile years^) 
They'd sooner choose death than administer pain, 
To the breast that did them once so fondly sustain. 

All changes of fashion, to gratify pride, 
In dress and in language, are quite laid aside. 
Of the pleasures of sin not a youth will partake. 
When a crown that's immortal they know is at stake ; 
Nay, the pleasures of sin are extinct and all dead. 
Since the love of the Lord the whole earth has o'er- 
spread. 

Lo ! people love wisdom, have granted their choice, 
With knowledge that's saving, to shun satan's voice. 
Against loving the world, the old people take care. 
And the young against flying away in the air. 
Men and women stand ready, their neighbours to aid ; 
The once wretched world is a paradise made. 
All those who have plenty, assist those in need, 
(If any were found) and the hungry one's feed ; 
They comfort the feeble and cover the bare, 
Rejoice that they're furnish'd with good things to spare. 
You that hold more than you can enjoy a great deal ; 
You that rose from a state that was low, can't you feel ? 
Give alms, and not covet the vain empty sound, 
Of leaving great wealth when you're laid in the ground. 

When women and men from the fall are renew'd, 
A passionate temper is curb'd and subdu'd : 



UNIVERSAL PEACE, &iC. 46 

Wild passion in fact is the vice of a fool, 

Who slights the true learning of wisdom's free school, 

A passionate man, like a drunkard insane, 

Turns order and peace to confusion and pain j 

The voice of Xantippe, the face of a scold, 

We hear with contempt, and with pain we behold. 

No fools now are found, who, their palates to please, 

Destroy their own health and who die debauchees ; 

No gluttons, nor great epicures, the world o'er, 

Such poor human creatures are seen now no more. 

None for fashion dress thin, and quite early in age, 
With consumptions thus vanish from this earthly stage : 
Here's a watch against loving of money and pride, 
liOve of pow'r and numerous evils beside. 
From pride many mischiefs and sorrows have flovv'd ; 
It leads to distress, to destruction's abode. 

No oaths now are taken by aged nor youth. 
They're all superseded by speaking the truth ; 
A person would sooner choose death than to dare, 
False witness against any neighbour to bear. 
No vile persecutions, religious disputes; 
Pure love is the only religion that suits. 
"No posts of great profit and honour allure, 
The object most souglit is a kingdom more sure : 
No men who to quarrel on politics meet ; 
No one who would covet an emperor's seat : 
On government-forms the dispute is no more ; 
Theocracy now is the form the world o'er. 

No forbidding to marry — no people so vain. 
Whose tenets would lead to unlink hymen's chain : 
Common sense they would never burlesque or degrade, 
When they know that the sexes for union were made. 

No one e'er by gaming his wealth would increase, 
For sure it would be at the price of his peace. 
Some men's ruling passion is gaming through life ; 
With vain, horrid oaths and much drinking and sirife ^ 
Or other gross evils too tedious to name, 
That disgrace human nature, and common sense shame. 
They feel acute stings in the conscience for sin, 
Till all is like fire that is burning within. 

4* 



46 



ON THE TRUE MINISTRY, WAR; 



Ere they live out one half of their days in the world, 

Some commit suicide, and away they are hurPd. 

The devil, no doubt, such a leap will admire ; 

Right '' out of the frying pan into the fire.'' 

No one from this horrible pit can arise ; 

The fire is not quench'd and the worm never dies. 

None now the poor Indians can drive from their soil, 
Where long they have hunted, with pleasure and toil ; 
Men sell them no rum, neither cheat nor despise ; 
By peaceful examples their minds moralize. 
Their generous hearts by good precepts we gain : 
None of them do their hands in their neighbour's blood 

stain ; 
Jf we want fertile lands, or our states to increase, 
Like Penn let us purchase, and long live in peace. 

No men whoso far after money will soar, 
As to cross the Atlantic, to Africa's shore, 
And their poor fellow creatures most basely procure, 
And sell them to bondage that's hard to endure. 
Long as Baal's false prophets might auctioneers cry, 
No person they'd find a poor negro to buy ; 
'Tis firm as the Medes and the Persians' decree, 
That all who come into the world should be free. 
No crying nor mourning of slaves in the land ; 
No person is known one of them to command ; 
No hard, cruel heart to be found the world o'er, [sore. 
Who would lash the poor slaves till their backs are all 
Or drive them to work, for a hard master's gain, 
When they've eat scarce enough human life to sustain, 
The earth's corners are dark, and with cruelty fill'd, 
And many poor slaves have been cruelly kill'd ! 
Oh ! the torturing shackles, the gags and the chains. 
The hungerings, the thirstings, afflictions, and pains 5 
The abuses inhuman, with scourges and rod ! 
As tho' there was no day of judgment, nor God. 

Oh ! crocodile heart, thy account thou must pay ; 
There's approaching a great and a dire judgment day : 
Thou hast stifled and crush'd, with an arrogant scorn, 
The fine human feelings, with which thou vvert born; 



UNIVERSAL PEACE, &C. 4T 

Made war with conviction, and conscience has none — 

Thy heart is obdurate, like iron or stone ! 

Unless thou repent, 'twill not long be before 

Heaven's awful artillery against thee will roar ! 

In dread of the Great mighty Judge, thou wilt call 

On rocks and the mountains upon thee to fall — 

In eternal oblivion to hide ihee unknown. 

From his wrath and his vengeance who sits on the throne. 

All people on earth now in unity join, 
And love universal is known, that's divine. 
There's now no great need for the pastors to preach, 
Nor each one his neighbour and brother to teach. 
Saying know ye the Lord, let his love be increased, 
For all shall know him from the greatest to least. 
The covenant new, with its blessings pervade ; 
With spiritual Israel and Judah 'twas made : 
In ev'ry heart is a law plac'd to teach, 
That none may his neighbour defraud or o'er-reach. 
All people on earth are redeem'd from the thought. 
Since covetousness to extinction is brought. 

Old age presents peace that the world can't destroy, 
A calm preparation for heavenly joy ; 
And the youth are elated, in raptures of love, 
In anticipating the pleasures above. 
The cardinal virtues are truly possessed. 
In lieu of great evils the world is now bless'd. 
Here's industry, frugality, prudence and wealth, 
With justice, and fortitude, temperance, health ; 
Faith, meekness, humility, patience, and love, 
That flows from the source inexhausted above. 

Sin's scourges, — the famine and pestilence, cease ; 
Of plenty and health, there's a joyful increase. 
All stations and ages — all colours and ranks. 
Return for these favours, praise, worship, and thanks. 
They wisely attend to the light and the call. 
That leads to the state man was in, ere the fall : 
Nay, thro' the removal of objects that let, 
They in heavenly places in Christ Jesus set. 
From a seat of distress, of corruption and vice, 
The world is renew'd to a sweet paradise. 



48 MESSIAH. 

Behold ! at the dawn of the bright shining day, 
The shadows must vanish and types flee away* ; 
The shadows 6f things that are good, were, we find, 
No h)nger than till reformation enjoin'd ;| 
They now in as small estimation are grown, 
Asia days of the ancients before they were known. 

The n)ilitant church in sweet peace and pure love, 
Resembles the church that's triumptiant above ; 
The leopard, the wolf, and the lamb are agreed ; 
And the child that is small the young lion can lead. 
No ravenous beast here is found to annoy ; 
None in God's holy mountain to hurt or destroy. 
Here under the tree bearing figs men recline — 
They eat and they drink of the fruit of llieir vine : 
The' hills and the valleys abundantly yield, [field. 

And the hand that in peace sow'd, in peace reaps the 
There's corn, wine and oil, all plenty in store, 
And blessing on blessing, till room for no more ! 

Behold ! there are none now, to sound war's alarm ; 
Nor on earth, nor the sea, one to do any harm : [west, 
From the north, and the south — from the east and the 
One peace universal, one sabbath of rest. 

MESSIAH. 



Hail ! Zion's Pilgrims, join the peaceful song, 
To you the notes of paradise belong, 
Ye who were once in Egypt's land oppress'd, 
In gloomy darkness where you found no rest; 
Ye who attended to the cogent call, 
The glorious light and If ader from the fall. 
Egyptian pleasures, sought in days of yore, 
And Babel's glories give delight no more : 
The images set up on Dura's plain ; 
The trumpet, harp, and organs sound are vain : 

* Cant. ii. 17, and iv. 6. t Heb. is, 10. 



MESSIAH. 49 

To you belong pure joys — triumphant strains, 
Messiah, in his peaceful kingdom reigns. 

The prophet rapt in future time begun ; 
Behold ! a virgin shall conceive a son, 
And they his name Immanuel shall call ; 
He'll be glad-tidings, and great joy for all. * 

Lo ! in the last, the glorious latter day, 
The mountain where the people homage pay — ^ 
Where Zion's saints, the Prince of Peace adore, 
Shall be exalted all the regions o'er ; 
As flocks of doves, unto the windows go, 
To it all nations of the earth shall flow. 

Behold ! the people shall in union cry, 
Let us ascend the holy mountain high. 
The house of Jacob's peaceful king to reach, 
And of his ways he freely us will teach. 
From Zion forth shall go the law that's true — 
His edict from Jerusalem that's new ; 
And he shall judge among the nation's great, 
Rebuke the people in their warring state, 
They then shall beat their glitt'ring swords to shares, 
And pruning hooks shall make of slaughtering spears ; 
No sword is drawn, nor guns like thunder roar, 
And men shall learn the arts of war no morcf 

Lo ! every battle of the warrior bold, 
Is with great noise, in blood his garments roli'd. 
But this, from war and wild ambition free, 
Shall with the fire of burning fuel be. 

A fire that like an oven burns within, 
To purely purge away the dross and tin. 
For unto us a peaceful ChiWis born, 
A Son is given in a joyful morn. 
The government shall on his shoulder rest,J 
And in his reign shall every clime be bless'd- 

Another ancient thus his view displays, 
Thussaith the Lord, there yet shall come the days 
"When I will make a covenant that's new. 
With Israel's house, and tribe of Judah too : 

* Isaiah, vii, 14, t Isaiah, ii, 2 to 4. i Isaiah, is. 5, 6, 7. 



50 MESSIAH. 

I'll put my law into their inward parts, 
And fair and plainly write it in their hearts : 
I'll be their God, and teach my gracious word, 
And they shall be rny people, saith the Lord.* 

The first was writ on tables made of stone, 
But this in tables of the heart is known : 
The first a type, of riches, great and good, 
In meats and drinks and divers washings stood, 
Imposed on Jews, until the gospel time, 
Until the High Priest order d things sublime. 
Till he from blood of goats and calves would call,f 
Till with his blood he paid the price for all. 
J3y suffering and the sacrifice he made. 
For all the world the ransom he has paid, 
And in his love the helpless captive calls. 
To come forth from the gloomy prison walls. 

So one might pay, in love sublimely kind, 
And ransom slaves in Barbary confin'd : 
To pay the sum would be of no avail. 
Should they to come forth from the prison fail. 
The ransom's paid, yet marvellous to tell ! 
The slaves choose in that foreign clime to dwell ; 
The words of truth they will not understand, 
When told the sweets of free Columbia's land ; 
Their friend invites them, vvith a plantive voice, 
But lasting bondage is their foolish choice! 

Christ paid man's ransom, visits, woos, invites, 
To taste pure pleasures, and supreme delights ; 
He calls from Egypt, to the rest that's true — 
From Babel's bondage to Jerusalem new. 
He's the true light, of all in darkness hurl'd. 
And lights each one that comes into the world. J 
Those who are lost, would not by truth be sway'd, 
For all have heard, but all have not obey'd. 

Blood and burnt offerings, sacrifice for sin. 
Taught by the law, he had no joy therein : 
Said, " Lo ! I come, thy holy will to do," 
He nulls the old, establishes the new ;|| 

* Jer. xxxi. SI, &c. Heb. viii. 8 t Heb. ix, 10, 13. t Jphn, i. 9 

[j Heb. X. 



W MESSIAH. 5"l 

By whicb he calls to scenes of joy above — 
The blood of Christ was shed for all in love. 

The law of shadows, made in days of yore. 
In estimation was to be no more — 
To vanish like a morning cloud away, 
At the bright shining of the gospel day — 
The founding of the covenant in the heart; 
So the Messiah, outward, must depart. 
*' For you it is expedient, I say. 
That I should pass from this abode away. 
If I continue in this region here, 
The Comforter will not to you appear; 
If I depart, the Comforter I'll send. 
Thro' every scene that's trying to attend ; 
And when this teaching spirit's come, he'll guide 
You in all truth, and will with you abide."* 

He calFd the ancients, in his boundless love, 
His calls are yet in spirit from above ; 
The voice is heard, the covenant is made, 
Behold, the call must be in love obey'd. 

When wisdom utters her inviting cries, 
Hear me ye simple — O ye fools, be wise : 
And when the sun that rules the gospel day, 
Would light us from Egyptian gloom, away ; 
Let none despond, but as the guide inclines, 
Pursue the journey, while his glory shines. 

Too few, alas ! regard the rays of light, 
They love the dark, and wander in the night ; 
Yet here and there a willing heart is found. 
To mind the call, to hear the trumpet sound ; 
Illuminated, these the path pursue, 
To Zion's mount, to the Jerusalem new; 
Whose builder is the glorious Prince of Peace — 
Whose kingdom long must prosper and increase : 
As individuals to the cause subscribe. 
Some from each city, family, and tribe ; 
They rise like trees, that gospel fruits produce, 
Salubrious, sweet, and fit for ev'ry use. 

* John xvi. 7 13. • 



52 MESSIAH. 

The fruits of peace, cementing love and joy, 
The world can't give, nor all her powers destroy. 
These like the willows by the waters grow, 
They stand uninjurd by the winds that blow. 

Yet more there are who take of these a view, 
Allur'd by love that's ancient, sweet, and new : 
They're drawn to meet, where they unite, and lo ! 
As with one heart to Zion's standard flow : 
Here they augment, in wisdom's path of peace, 
And multiply, a marvellous increase ; 
Till cities, states, and nations, with delight. 
And all the kingdoms of the world unite ! 

The Lord here reigns — the 'habitants rejoice, 
With one harmonious, one triumphant voice : 
The battle's won, the victory's obtain'd ; 
Hell's ghastly tyrant in his dungeon's chain'd. 
Peace reigns o'er all — to love, each heart inclines; 
IjO ! Eden's found — millennial glory shines : 
True knowledge now extends from pole to pole. 
As in their orbs the mighty planets roll. 

Ye bards of peace, the glorious tidings bring ; 
JBehold ! the dumb shall hallelujah sing : 
The blind receive with thankfulness their sight 
The cripple walk with wonder and delight : 
The deaf shall hear, the dead to life be rais'd, 
And with one voice, the King of glory prais'd. 

See love abound, no tongue nor pen can tell, 
And brethren in unshaken union dwell ; 
All jars shall cease, and falsehood be unknown, 
And justice reign on her exalted throne. 
The sword is sheath'd the spear is rais'd no more — 
Peace round the world, her golden blessings pour. 
No nation shall against another rise. 
Nor warriors meet, with fury in their eyes ; 
Nor hills, nor vales, be stain'd with human gore — 
The thund'ring cannon shall be heard no more. 
The schools, to teach the arts of slaughter, cease, 
And wild ambition ends in love and peace : 
And while the sweets of unity pervade, 
Each one with pleasure grants his neighbour aid ; 



MESSIAH. 

Pure odours rise to him who reigns above, 
A precious incense of unmingled love. 

Long years of war, pale scenes of want, be gone, 
And let the bright, unclouded morning dawn ; 
Auspicious babe, be born and spring to light — 
Dispel the gloomy darkness of the night. 
Lo ! nature hastes her garlands here to bring, 
With precious incense of a joyful spring. 

Fear not, O men, the Lord hath in his view, 
Great things indeed, and marvellous for you ; 
Fear not ye fair, but in the truth be bold, 
He 11 not from you consoling love withhold ; 
Be not afraid, O true and faithful youth. 
Your l»asis is the longprov'd rock of truth : 
Rejoice ye shepherd's of the fruitful field, 
For lo ! the valleys, verdant pastures yield. 

See Eshcol's clusters ev'ry region cheers- 
No more in mourning Calvary appear. 
See morning stars most brightly shine and sing, 
And sons of God unmingled offerings bring; 
Rejoicing in pure songs of love unfeign'd-^ 
Lo ! here's delightful paradise regained. 
Behold, Mount Horeb's lofty head appear, 
And all the trees in verdant blooming cheer : 
See 1 Lebanon with joy exalt his voice, 
And ev'ry cedar tall and green rejoice. 
Behold Mount Zion o'er the mountains reign, 
And hills, like lambs, when skipping o'er the plain : 
See joyful too, and in the midst of them, 
The holy city, New Jerusalem. 

See fragrant clouds from Sharon's valley rise, 
And CarmeTs flow'rs with odour scent the skies ; 
'J'he vine shall yield her cool refreshing shade, * 
And grapes of which delicious wines are made. 
'1 he wheat and barley their choice riches yield, 
And he who sow'd shall reap the fertile field. 

The thirsty traveller, with glad surprise, 
Sees springs of water in the desart rise ; 
And where the swain was faint with hopeless toil, 
On barren wilds, is now a fertile soil. 

6 



S3 



^i MESSIAH. 

Loj here's a feast of fatted things that please, 
And luscious vvineSj well purified from lees 5 
The world is fill'd, an inexhausted sloie, 
Till men and women can enjoy no more. 

Of ibis blest reign the glory is indeed, 
Tbat wolves and sbeep in one enclosure feed : 
The steer and tyger meet in perfect peace — 
The carnage of the furious lions cease. 
The foxes and the httle lambs agree, 
Tbey feed in concert on the mountains free ; 
The twining snake, so long inclin'd to bite, 
Has lost his venom, and is harmless quite : 
The feather'd race, in peaceful notes can sing — 
The flowers of the verdant valley spring. p 

Beneath the shade of Kden's fruitful vine, 
In sweet repose, the young and old recline ; 
There they rejoice^the sweets of joy increase, 
While tbey behold a universal peace — 
"While they proclaim in an exulting state. 
An end to war, and all its horrors great. 
See Babylon, that rul'd the nations o'er, 
I all from her glory and be seen no more : 
See multitudes obey the voice that calls 
1 hem from the failinor shelter of her walls — 
Her long lov'd pleasures and her sins forsake, 
That they may not of her sore plagues partake. 

And lo ! the merchants of the earth shall weep, 
And be for her in lamentation deep — 
In sackcloth clad, for silks in use before, 
For men will buy their merchandize no more. 

The harper's voice, the sweet musician's sound, 
No more shall in thy spacious streets be found — 
No more in thee shall shine the candle's light, 
Nor bride, nor bridegroom's voices give delight. 

See peace triumphant — hearts remote from strife. 
United in the glorious path of life : 
See those who yet are in their youthful days, 
With joy and gladness their Redeemer praise : 
The parents joy, the willing balmy youth, 
Are nurs'd in peace, in harmony and truth— 



MESSIAH. 



55 



Are taught to love, their Maker to obey, 
And never wish from wisdom's path to stray. 

O, be pi epar'd for the delightful morn ! 
As a fair bride will for her spouse adorn : 
Rejoice ye mountains, and ye vallies wide, 
As a bridegroom rejoiceth o'er his bride. 

Rise peaceful Salem, rise, appear in view, 
And O decend Jerusalem that's new ! 
See distant tribes, in crowds thy courts adorn, 
And sons and daughters, who are yet unborn ; 
Whose heart-felt prayVs, and pure incessant crie§, 
Like precious incense shall perfume the skies. 

See nations barb'rous, dark and wild before, 
Bow in thy temple — in thy streets adore. 
See distant kings, longtime at war and strife, 
Live in pure love and harmony through life ; 
With hearts sincere, and minds serene and true, 
The glories of the promised land in view. 

See heaven in most consummate beauty shine, 
Illuminating with a light divine : 
See from the portals, pure transparent rays, 
Its inmost glory thus unveil'd displays. 
No more shall suns diffuse their shining light, 
Nor silver moons their lustre in the night ; 
But swallow'd up in brighter shining rays — 
One scene of glory, one transcendent blaze, 
O'erflows the city, where the ransom'd meet ; 
There's beauty, peace, and holiness complete. 

Though rocks should melt and mountains fade s^way, 
The rivers dry, and verdure all decay ; 
The elements with fervent heat dissolve — 
The earth no more around the sun revolve — 
The covenant with times and seasons fail — 
Thick darkness o'er all boundless space prevail ; 
And suns and moons, and each terrestrial world, 
Be from their stations and their orbits hurl'd ; 
Yet fix'd his love — invincible his povv'r — 
And high and strong his ancient royal tow'r ; 
His kingdom, glory, majesty remains — 
Messiah, in his peaceful kingdom, reigns. 



ON THE MINISTRY, 

AND 

WOMEN'S PREACHING. 



Wo man takelh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God', 
as was Aaron. Heb. v, 4. 

iyial« «ind female are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. iii. 28. 



Let none in haste invalidate my theme, 
JVor it beneath a fair inspection deem. 
Let not Columbia's citizens refuse 
The rustic numbers of a farmer's muse : 
A lonely peasant might the courtier teach-*- 
An humble layman to the learned preach — 
One far advanced, might be informed by youth, 
The boundless value of religious truth. 
Let all inspect the basis where they stand, 
BuiW on the rock, and not upon the sand. 
Come view the ground, to know if firm and good. 
On which some churches have for ages stood — 
Let doctrines fairly be produc'd for test. 
Though predecessors might have thought them best* 
Fear not, for gold well purified before. 
Will nothing loose by trying it once more. 

This world was form'd, and glorious orbs that shine, 
And human beings, by a power divine : 
But sad indeed, to contemplate and tell, 
Man in probation, from his station fell. 

After his sin, behold ! the object great, 
Is to redeem him from his fallen state ; 
<jod sent his Son to offer a reprieve, 
That whosoever would on him believe. 
Should never perish by the prince of strife, 
But be renew'd to everlasting life. 



ON THE MINISTRY, &C. 51 

Among the means, well thought by wisdom lit. 
To rouse mankind, from the benighted pit, 
He qualifies some humble ones to teach — 
The gospel with authority to preach. 
Let none conceive that scientific rules, 
Or all the learning ever gain'd in schools, 
Though highly valued, in its proper place, 
And very useful to the human race — 
Although the student high degrees may take, 
That this a gospel minister can make. 
By all the force of brightest human parts, 
And study through the theologic arts, 
Men can no sooner make a true one there, 
Than a triangle model out four-square. 
The work is His, for whom we cannot plan,. 
He who dispenses gracious gifts to man — 
He who dictates, in his own lime and hour, 
What must be utter'd, in his name and power. 

Some at the schools their speaking talents gain^ 
While others, theirs, more privately attain. 
The learn'd can move in a sublimer sphere, 
Display bright talents, and delight the ear ; 
The more unlearn'd, and ignorant, are fain, 
By coarser means their proselytes to gain ; 
Both artificial — they cannot unfold 
Pure gospel truths, like holy men of old, 
Who spoke with an authority well proved, 
Just as they by the Holy Ghost were mov'd.* 
By mental powers, by art and study great, 
Some men may gospel preachers imitate ; 
Much fervour seem sincerely to impart, 
From sparks they kindled, in the head and heart : 
Such may observe, what by a prophet fam'd, 

Was, with great power, in ancient days proclaimed 

*' I sent them not, they went without my word, 
And shall not profit people, saith the Lord."!" 
** Behold ! all ye who kindle up a flame, 
Yourselves surround — enliven with the same. 

* 2 Peter,!. 21. f Jer,xxiii. 32. 

6* 



SS ON THE MINISTRY, AND 

Walk by your fire, and strange alluring light. 
By sparks ye kindle, in the gloom of night ; 
But this shall ye, for all your labour, gain, 
Ye shall lie down, in sorrow and in pain ''* 

'? he call must from another source arise, 
That for true gospel labour qualifies : 
It is an impulse from the realms above — ^ 
A stream of pure — a flame of heavenly love. 
*' \a'X prayers, said Christ, unto the Lord extend, 
That He will labourers in his harvest send/' 
*' When he ascended to the high abode. 
He gifts dispensed, in love that freely flow'd ; 
He gave apostles, who with wisdom came, 
Evangelists, and teachers in his name ; 
For the perfecting of the saints, the free, 
Important office of the ministry ; 
For edifying of the church that's true. 
In faith and love, Christ's body to renew, 
Till all might in the precious union run. 
In faith and knowledge of God's only Son, 
The measure of a great advancement know, 
And to the stature of perfection grow."t 
In Christ's bright day, he sent them in his name^ 
Glad gospel tidings, freely to proclaim. 
Christ changes not — is as he was before. 
Same yesterday, to-day and evermore. 
An ancient said, " the Lord in love to save, 
To me a tongue that's like the learned gave. 
That I should know how to revive the weak, 
A word in season to the weary speak. '-J 

When Balaam his enchantments laid away, 
And Sethis face toward where Israel lay. 
The spirit of the Lord upon him came. 
Then he could speak in wisdom's holy name. 
So now should men relinquish every plan. 
That are the efforts of the carnal man ; 
Sit down resign d — in humble patience wait. 
On him whose love flows to the lowly state ; 

« Isa. 1. 11. f Eph. iv, « to 13. % Isaiah, 1. 4. 



/ women's PllEACHING. 59 

As in days past the spirit would be sliar'd, 
And joyful tidings in his name declared. 

Let none Irom waiting think we are releas'd^ 
Nor smile, and say, tlie spirit long has ceas'd : 
I'll tell thee, friend, if thou wilt lend an ear, 
To whom its ceas'd — to those who will not hear — 
To those who in their unbelief withdraw, 
From the new covenant, from the inward law. 
To those who wait, and true attention pay, 
He is the same as in a former day--- 
He is to those who humbly seek his fold, 
The same to-day, as in the days of old. 

Although the spirit, as in days of yore, 
IVlight on our sons, and humble daughters pour. 
Let us for truth this sentiment receive. 
They might be present, and we not believe : 
The prophets and apostles were unknown, 
Though they with lustre like the planets shone — 
Behold the Jews ! how very dark and blind. 
They knew not Him who came to save mankind. 

To teach the flock, as plain as day appears, 
The Holy Ghost, alone made overseers.* 
*Tvvas this indeed, that qualified a man, 
Before the great apostacy began— - 
'I'vvas frocn above, that they received their call ; 
*' How shall they preach, unless they're sent, say sPaul.j' 
No man assumes this consecrated place, 
Unless, like Aaron, he is calPd by grace. "J 
He must attend the Chribtian's schoul that's free, 
Learn patience, meekness, and humility— - 
First, nature's deeds must all be mortified, 
And flt shiy lusts condemn d and laid aside ; 
The man put off that wickedness pursu'd— - 
The new one form'd, ihat is with grace endu'd. ' 

(.'an women pass as well as men, this change f 
That they cannot, is doctrine, new and strange : 
All will the plain affirmative admit ; 
Then women may for ministers be fit : 

^ Acts, XX 23. t Rom, x. 15. { Heb. v» 4. 



60 ON THE MINISTRY? AND 

Yes, male and female are describ'd as one, 
In Him who is the ever-ruling Son. 
Did Paul, the Gentile's great apostle, teach 
No women may, in public, pray or preach ? 
He thus himself would contradict, we find, 
With a dark cloud illuminate mankind. 
What he once said, with prejudice is view'd, 
And consequently grossly misconstrued. 
Paul, well enlightened, with the gospel sun, 
Has said, "In Christ, are male and female one.** 
Then grant her leave her soothing voice to raise. 
Above sweet music's modulated, lays. 
Let her in truth's most precious cause appear, 
In higher strains than notes to please the ear. 
If in Christ Jesus they with men are one, 
Why may they not on gospel errands run ? 
Mind your own calling, O ye fair, unite, 
And firmly stand for your invaded right, 
Of which no human power can you divest, 
More justly than of everlasting rest. 

This theme concerns, not you alone, I know, 
But all the church that's militant below ; 
To all who worship, in the truth, esteem — 
It is a deeply interesting theme. 

In the creation man was nobly made, 
United with his precious female aid ; 
A partnei pleasant, social and complete, 
A kind assistant, and a true help-meet. 
None who their station, in blest Eden know ; 
View them unequal, either high or low : 
They are, by those who certain knowledge gain, 
View'd as one flesh, and not distinct or twain. 

Fair is her model, and her talents bright— 
Her eye, O man ! as keen as thine for sight ; 
And she is furnish'd with a finish'd ear. 
As quick and certain as thy own to hear. 
Thy equal, in an understanding heart, 
In things divine, that wisdom may impart. 
Profuse in blessings, nature has, we know> 
On her bestow'd of thoughts an easy flow, 



women's PREACHIN6. 61 

United with the eloquence of speech, 

Full equal to the gift of men, to teach : 

And when with light, and heavenly grace endu'd. 

She's like a star of the first magnitude. 

! how delightful are the virtuous fair ! 
How sweet the union of the happy pair — 
The husband's crown, is his dear, faithful wife, 
His most complete felicity in life. 

However Eve, might after sinning stand, 
And in whatever situation land, 
The first blest station is regain'd by all, 
Who rise to life, renew'd from Adam's fall : 
Within the kingdom of the Prince of Peace, 
All government but that of love must cease. 

Those who prohibit women now to teach, 
Glad tidings in the gospel day to preach — 
Deny that females have so high a call, 
Raise an objection from the words of Paul : 
" In churches let your women silence keep, 

1 grant them no permission there to speak ; 
Let them if they more knowledge yet desire, 

Of their own husbands, when at home, inquire."* 
He does not say that women must not teach, 
When they're impell'd by purest love to preach; 
But more like this ; let those whom you have there. 
Who in the gospel have no lot or share, 
"Your women" who are talkative, untaught 
In Christ the Way, must be to silence brought : 
Impert'nent questions cause debates and heat, 
And vain contentions when the people meet, 
For them to cavil is a shameful sight, 
(Some married women drew him thus to write) 
Let them, when met, from idle questions cease, 
Which there disturb the congregation's peace. 
The v/omen there, thus spoken to by Paul, 
Includes not those who had a gospel call. 

Preaching and prophesying are, we find. 
One simple thing, in this aposde's mind ; 

• 1 Cor. siv. 34, 35. 



62 ON THE MINISTRY, AI^D 

Which is to speak, or publicly proclaim, 
*' To edification in the sacred name ; 
And comfort/'* in the strength he lov'd the most^ 
The pure influence of the Holy Ghost. 
In that epistle some presume to say, 
Paul grants no woman leave to preach or pray; 
He gives the fair a standing rule we find. 
When in such public exercise to mind. 
For women, when they prophesied or pray'd. 
How they should be before the church array'd.f 
To give a rule for women when they preach, 
And silence them that they may never teach, 
Must foreign be from common reason view'd ; 
Paul was indeed with better sense endu'd. 
You who have eyes search for yourselves and see, 
And not rely on what is said by me; 
Investigate, with an attentive mind. 
And not confide in teachers who are blind. 
'Tis strange indeed, that men no better know, 
Than force the saint, himself to overthrow. 
But men will in the crooked path be led, 
With human learning, when right reason's fled ; 
Or when our carnal interested views, 
Cloud wisdom's rays, and light and truth refuse. 
" Ask of the learn'd, says one, the learn'd are blind, 
This bids to serve, and that to shun mankind." 
Paul ne'er was lost, nor yet eclips'd in sight, 
So as his own important themes to fight. 
We may discern, by nations of the land. 
In wars intestine, tliey can never stand. 
Should Satan cast the the prince of devils out, 
His kingdom then must fall, without a doubt. 
A family divided, void of sense, 
A fall of them must be the consequence : 
Just so in doctrine, should the learned Paul, 
Make war with his own sentiments, heM fall. 

The dispensation of the ancient seers, 
Admitted women, plainly it appears ; 

* I Cor. xiv. 3. t 1 Cor. xi. 5. C. 



women's preaching. 63 



Men spoke not in that favour'd day alone, 
For Miriam was a prophetess well known : 
And Deborah, who surely had her call 
From Hun, who is the ruler over all: 
She was a judge in Israel, it is said, 
One by internal inspiration led. 
This noble winnan, in her day, was viewed, 
A shining star, of the first magnitude ; 
In Israel was for great achievments known, 
Above the men she for her wisdom shone. 

After the birth of the great Prince of Peace, 
Wiio came, the world from misVy to release ; 
His parents, as the law dictated, went, 
Before the F^ord, the infant to present; 
And humbly there to offer sacrifice, 
To tiie Creator, merciful and wise. 
A prophf^tess, one Anna, whose delight, 
Was serving her Creator, day and night. 
Just at the instant, in the temple went, 
And thank'd the Lord, who is omnipotent : 
Of this blest child she spoke, in purest love, 
To all who sought redemption from above. 

This then was spoken, audibly we find. 
To those who were to seek the truth inclin'd ; 
Assembled in the temple, in the place 
Of public worship for the Jewish race : 
Here not a few were by the wom?n taught, 
She spoke to all who for redemption sought: 
Is it not then strange doctrine that can teach 
The godly fair, that they must never preach ? 

Did Christ, when teaching truth at Jacob's well. 
Forbid the female proselyte to tell 
Great and good tidings? " This is Christ," she cried, 
And of him in the city testified ; 
That many there her message well received, 
And on him as Messiah they believ'd. 
To visit them, the people him besought, 
And lo ! he tarried there two days, and taught. 
"Now we believe," some others to her cried. 
Not only for what thou hast testified, 



G4 ON THE MINISTRY, AND 

For we have lieard him, and are well agreed, 
And know that this is Jesus Christ indeed ; 
Saviour of men, who are in darkness hurl'd, 
The great and kind Redeemer of the world."* 

One circumstance might aptly here be view'd, 
By those who think a woman's preaching rude ; 
Some women who for piety were fam'd, 
A theme of greatest consequence proclaimed ; 
They had the honour, at the first to spread 
The news that Christ was risen from the dead. 

After the resurrection of our Lord, 
His friends assembled, faithful to his word : 
'Twas his instruction and command to them, 
'' Wait for the promise at Jerusalem, 
Which in due time must there accomplished be, 
The father's promise ye have heard of me, 
That John with water once babtiz d is true ; 
But lo ! the Spirit there shall baptize you. 
And when on you the Holy Ghost shall show'r, 
To call on men, ye shall receive my pow'r 
And ye shall then be witnesses for me, 
In Canaan's land, and far beyond the sea. 
Then he, who had his humble people cheer'd, 
To their great pain and wonder disappeared : 
His work was finish'd, then he took his flight, 
And lo ! a cloud received him from their sight.f 

From Olivet, the mount of ancient fame. 
They then retir'd and to Jerusalem came ; 
And as commanded, there they humbly wait, 
Upon their master, gracious, good, and great: 
On him in faith, devoutly they attend. 
Who promised them the Comforter to send. 
The truth's pure spirit, into truth to guide, 
Which was with them for ever to abide.t 
The pow'r of pray'r and supplication then. 
Was pour'd upon the women, and the men : 
They did as they were well instructed, wait, 
It was a pure solemnity, so great, 

• John, iv, t Acts, i, t John, xlv. 16, 17. and xvi. 7, 



women's preaching. 65 

It brings to view what a divine relates; 
At breaking of the seventh seal, he states, 
He saw, where reigns supreme celestial pow'r, 
"Silence in heaven the space of half an hour."* 

With one accord, th' apostles, in one place ; 
Were met, and found the promised day of grace : 
The Holy Spirit's great effusion there, 
Fell on the men, and on the godly fair. 
This was the morn, of the most glorious day, 
When types and shadows were to flee away ;"|' 
That dispensation, favour'd once and good, 
In meats, and drinks, and divers washings, stood, 
And ordinances of a carnal kind ; 
Adapted to a weak, external mind ; 
Impos'd, until the reformation time,]; 
The day of the great antitype sublime. 
Here they the substance of the shadows found, 
The scene with love and heavenly life was crown'd : 
Lo I they were then with pow'r divine endu'd, 
To preach Christ Jesus to the multitude : 
Through every heart the Holy Spirit run ; 
*' In Jesus Christ are male and female one : [broke ; 
Their cups o'erflow'd — mouths open'd— -hearts were 
They, as the Spirit gave them utt'rance, spoke." 

At this sublime, and solemn, glorious state, 
The multitude were in amazement great ; 
But Peter, fill'd with the Holy Ghost, was bold, 
Stood on his feet, and all the people told : 
*« This scene that you behold, with wonder here, 
Is that foretold once by an ancient seer : 
The days shall come, unlike the days of yore, 
Upon all flesh my spirit I will pour ; 
Your sons and daughters, then inspired shall be ; 
Old men dream dreams — young men shall visions see ; 
And on' my servants and handmaidens, I 
Will pour my Spirit, and they'll prophesy. "|| 

The women doubtless, spoke with fervour here, 
They'd been, like men, Christ's witnesses sincere ; 

* Rev. viii. 1 . t Cant. ii. 1 7. t Heb is. 10. 1| Joel, ii. 2S, 29. 



66 ON THE MINISTRY, &IC. 

They preached, or else what Peter held to view, 
Could not have been without exception, true. 
If women had not spoken there, with weight, 
That prophesy could not to this relate : 
Were daughters not, as well as sons, to preach ; 
Handmaids, as well as other servants, teach, 
That prophesy would sacred records stain ; 
A falsehood must for evermore remain. 
Who this to say, would ever be beguil'd ; 
A sentiment, blasphemous, gross, and wild. 

We find that Philip, an apostle great, 
A deacon, and a minister of weight. 
Had, if we may in sacred writ confide, 
Four virgin daughters, and they prophesied.* 
No doubt but Philip, and the churches round, 
United with their ministry as sound. 

** I do," says Paul, the Roman's faithful friend, 
** Our sister Phebe to you recommend ;" 
And our translators have been pleased to say, 
" The SERVANT of the church at Cenchrea."]' 
The learn'd, who are to search the Greek inclined, 
Assert she was a minister, they find. 
Translated servant, doubtless, with design 
To hide her office, in the gospel line. 

In history, is Phebe handed down, 
For gospel labours, one of great renown : 
She preached to Romans and to Greeks, the}) tell, 
And the remote Barbarians knew her well.J 

Paul greets Priseilla and Aquilla too. 
Brings them as fellow labourers to view : 
We of Priseilla and her partner find. 
That they were persons qualified in mind ; 
That they were teachers, great Apollos found. 
Who could with clearness, gospel truths expound.^ 

" Salute Tryphena, and Tryphosa too, 
(Says Paul) who labour'd in the Lord for you. 
Present lov'd Persis my saluting word. 
Who much with us hath labour'd in the Lord."|| 

• Acts xxi. 9. t Rom. xvi. 1. + Theodoret, as cited by Clarkson. 
§ Acts xviii. 24, 26. |j Rom. xvi. i2. 



ON SINGING OF PSALMS. 67 

Again some women are describ'd by Paul, 
" Who labour'd with him in the gospel call."* 

Wourd he. thus female preachers recommend. 
And be to them as father and a friend, 
And then, alas, command them not to teach, 
That they indeed must neither pray nor preach ? 
You who can in so gross an error slide, 
'Tis time, in fact, that you were rectified. 

'Tvvas far from ancient men, including Paul, 
To quench the spirit — stop the gospel call — 
To silence her that's fiU-'d with tidings glad — 
Who's with the garment sacerdotal clad; 
Endu'd with ardour sinners to allure, 
To seek a city with foundations sure. 

Have we not read, and ought we not to know, 
Just where it listeth, there the wind must blow.^ 
And human vision is too weak to see, 
Where it began, or where the end may be. 
Just so 'tis with the ministerial tribe ; 
And man must not truth's leading circumscribe : 
In Jesus Christ are male and female one» 
When she is sent, pray let the woman run: 
When rightly call'd and qualified to teach, 
Let her the gospel of glad tidings preach : 
'Tis not for man the Spirit to control. 
Nor stop the heav'nly bodies when they roll. 

Orr SINGING OF PSALMS. 



God is a Spirit, listen ag'd and youth, 
He's worshipp'd in the spirit and in truth.']' 

May all who seek for happiness be wise. 
And search for wisdom with impartial eyes ; 
Let none with chaff, instead of wheat be fed — 
Let none by colours be deceiv'd or led : 

* Phil. iv. 3. t John ir. 24. 



08 ON SINGING OP PSALMS. 

There are defective, green and lofty pines ; 
All is not gold that with great brilliance shines. 
Let it not give the candid reader pain* 
To view the theme of singing psalms again ; 
For gold that's been completely purify'd, 
Will nothing lose should it again be try'd. 

As men unite in one important view. 
That worship to the great Creator's due, 
"When we assemble, as a duty clear ; 
When we before Omnipotence appear, 
What powerful motive should the heart incline ? 
To please ourselves, or Him who is divine ? 
Does he need tunes contriv'd by human art ? 
Can't the Creator understand the heart ? 
Let one plain passage be by all perusVJ, 
That's in the ancient, sacred volume us'd : 
" That God sees not as man beholds, is true 5 
" External things attract the human view ; 
" But lo! the Lord surveys the inward part ; 
*' His eye discerns, and he accepts the heart."* 

Most surely singing, in the modern wav^ 
Is inconsistent wilh the gospel day ; 
And if 1 may to speak the truth be bold, 
Has no example from the days of old. 
We need not view, with fair inspection long, 
To see the wicked cannot learn the song, 
That must be sung and understood by those 
W ho sing with grace, that from the Spirit flows 5 
Who precious off'rings with acceptance, bring; 
With spirit and wilh understanding sing. 
See what was utter'd by an ancient good, 
Who well the theme of singing understood : 
*' By Bab'lon's rivers sat our mourning band ; 
^* We sorely wept, remembring Zion's land ; 
" Our harps upon the weeping willows hung, 
" And sat in mourning, with a silent tongue. 
** Can those who unto Jacob's seed belong, 
" In a strange land sing the Messiah's song.""]" 

* 1 Sam. xvi. 7. t Psalm cxxxvii. 1, 2, i\ 



ON SINGING OF PSALMS. 69 

Promiscuous singing may delightful seem ; 
'Tis but a modern and a modish scheme. 
Let none conceive that singing should obtain 
With good and bad, the pious and profane 5 
Nor view it soniething we can never spare, 
When none but seekers meet with humble care. 
Christ in his sermon, on the mountain fam'd, 
The theme of notes, or singing never nam'd ; 
Did not on tunes, to please the fancy strike, 
Nor instruments of music, David like ; 
Yet he the things that were essential told ; 
Said, " All who hear, and mind my words, behold, 
*' Are like a man whose house was on a rock, 
** That stood the awful and tempestuous shock.'' 

Pray, why did not the sacred writer tell 
Of fine musicians, and of singing well, 
Upon a time, with wonder vievv'd by most, 
The day of pow'r. the glorious Pentecost ? 
Would singing others' states till strength was spent. 
The glory of so pure a joy augment ? 
Or far more sure the solemn scene annoy, 
And veil the glory of the day of joy ^ 

Christ never order'd his true church to sing ; 
'Twas in his day a quite unfrequent thing. 
The modern singing of a multitude. 
Is frequently irreverent and rude ; 
A worship (if I here may use the phrase) 
Unknown to Jews or men of ancient days ; 
Self-pleasing plan, without command at all ; 
An ever green that grew up in the fall. 
Should this appear the sweetest on the ground, 
See if substantial nourishment is found ; 
Though this may have of choicest fruit the signs, 
Good notice take, " All is not gold that shines." 
There may be fruit unfit for men to eat ; 
May bitter prove, that in the mouth was sweet. 

In ancient times they had their singing men, 
Who were selected for the station then : 
And see, the songs sung by the ancient Jews, 

Were apt in truth to fit their states and views ; 

7* 



70 ON SINGING OF PSALMS. 

Like Moses singing on the Red Sea-shore, 

And David freed from his affliction sore. 

The present mode has certainly no place 

In Moses' law, nor covenant of grace. 

Hear not, f pray, implicitly to me, 

Like faithful seekers, search yourselves, and see : 

No precedent nor precept can be found 

For it, in all the sacred volume bound. 

Promiscuous singing may with brilliance shine; 
This will not prove the origin divine. 
The irreligious, who are proud and vain, 
The liar, swearer, openly profane. 
The notes, as taught in modern schools acquire, 
Before the Lord then offer their strange fire ; 
By them, alas ! most horrid lies are told 
To Him, who cannot wickednesabehold. 
They tell Him falsely, in their pleasing song, 
What never can to their rude states belong; 
In a strange region they presume to sing 
The song of Zion's everlasting King. 
And those, whose morals bear a better vieWj 
Tell things, in singing, utterly untrue : 
For who, unless it be his real state. 
Can David's mournings ever personate ? 
To sing when false would be insulting quite : 
** I'm weary with njy groaning day and night, 
" W hen I lie down my bed to swim appears, 
" My couch I water with my briny tears."* 

Huw few like David truly can rehearse, 
Like him proclaim that most pathetic verse : < 
'' As pants the hart for the cool water brook, 
" So pants my soul — to thee, O God, I look."t 
Or, who like him declare they often wait, 
For their salvation at true wisdom's gate, 
When they with waiting seem to disunite, 
Because too still and dull for their delight. 

*' My soul (said he) upon the Lord doth wait, 
** Salvation comes from Him who's good and great- 

* Psalm, vi. 6. i Psalm, xlii. 1, 



ON SINGING OF PS\LMS,. ' 71 

^' He is my Rock, and my salvation prov'd, 

" My sure defence, and I shall not be mov'd. 

*' My soul, wait thou upon thy God in need, 

•^ My expectation is from Him indeed — 

" In him ( trust, He's my salvation true, 

" My glory and my excellence in view. 

** He is my strength, the strength of all the flock ; 

*' My refuge is in God, the Mighty Rock, 

" My sure foundation ; on Him I will call; 

" He is a mighty refuge for us all."* 

" Save me, O God ! thine hand the waves control, 
" The waters have arisen to my soul ; 
" Behold ! I sink into a miry place, 
*' No hope is there without the aid of grace* 
" Into the waters that are deep I'm led ; 
" The mighty billows overflow my head ; 
" Mine eyes decay, while I in sorrow great, 
*' For my true God, and gracious helper wait. 
" Behold my garment is of sackcloth made ; 
" 1 am a proverb to the lowest grade ; 
*' They speak against me who in portals throng, 
" And I'm become the drunkard's pleasant song."'f 

Were lines like these promiscuously put out, 
A tender mind would surely feel a doubt, 
Them to adopt, in a religious song, 
Conscious they did not to his state belong. 
How can a mind, where shines the light, be free 
To tell gross falsehoods to the Deity ? 
Or those in sin presume to sing and cry, 
A song that is within their mouths a lie ? 
The name of Christ, who shines a liglit vvithifij 
Thou must not utter while involv'd in sin. 
'Tis time indeed to be alarm'd, O man, 
What thou art doing in devotion scan ; 
Thou canst not with impunity long run. 
And mock the great, the high, and holy One. 

Let what was utter'd by the King on high, 
Be read and view d with an attentive eye : 

* Psalm, hii. i Psalm, lxix< 



72 ON SINGING OF PSALMS. 

" I hate your feasts (of which you proudly tell) 
" And will not in your solemn meetings smell ; 
" Take thou away the noise of songs from me, 
" 1 will not hear thy viol's melody."* 

When worshippers on vocal sounds are fix'd, 
Amusement of the creature will be mix d ; 
The off'ring then cannot be pure and right, 
To Him who sees our hearts with perfect sight. 
Take care lest we in empty sounds believe, 
For void of life no sounds will He receive. 
It is indeed, a fearful sin and shame, 
To offer Him oblations blind and lame. 

Those who suppose by their musicians fmCj 
To please the Being, awful and divine, 
By instruments of music of their choice, 
Or curious notes, or turnings of the voice, 
Must view their God (as certainly appears) 
With outward organs, like a man with ears, 
Who pleasures in corporeal joys can find, 
And sounds adapted to the carnal mind ; 
Not as a Spirit immaterial pure, 
V. ho only that true worship can endure, 
Which is performed by elders and by youth, 
Most humbly in the spirit and in truth. 

The apostles led from place to place, we view, 
They preach d and ptay'd as free as rain or dew : 
'Tis well worth while, more knowledge to attain^ 
To read their acts or history again, 
To see how rarely, in more humble days. 
They sung in vocal, artificial lays. 
. Those who for music would examples bring, 
Say, " Christ's disciples once a hymn did sing; 
'* The ancients their melodious voices rais'd, 
*' That Paul and Silas sung aloud and prais'd.'* 

It is by scripture testimony shown. 
That once or twice Christ's followers were knowD, 
Betir'd from crowds to raise the tuneful voice 5 
They could amidst afflicting scenes rejoice. 

* Amos, V. 21, 23. 



ON SINGING OF PSALMS. 73 

Say, would it be resembling these complete, 
To sing in public ev'ry time we meet? 
Do moderns tread the ancient footsteps right, 
Who pleasure take in singing day and night ? 
Was Israel's journey one sweet scene of cheer ? 
Are we the glorious church triumphant here ?— 
No, we must pass probation's valley through, 
Before we enter the Jerusalem new. 
The songs of Zion we cannot command, 
Nor daily on the bank of triumph stand. 

However psalmody might fit the views, 
And ceremonials of the outward Jews ; 
That cannot make it suit the view (we plead) 
O/ Jacob's inward, deeply humbled seed : 
Nor prove that it would fit the patient state 
Of those who meekly at Jerusalem wait, 
For what was promis'd, and they seek the most^ 
The blest effusion of the Holy Ghost. 
'Tis far indeed from an unerring rule, 
That 'tis congenial to the Christian's school, 
^^ru^r,^ i-»;onc: paofps. and where cppkin"* vouth. 

Are worshipping in spirit and in truth. 

Let those whom truth inspires to tune the strings, 
Sweet songs, like Moses in his triumph sing. 
When qualify'd they then may emulate 
The royal psalmist, in his joyful state. 
Like Zacharias, favour'd Simeon's lays, 
The Virgin Mary, Paul, and Silas' praise ; 
Or martyrs cloth'd with the Messiah's name, 
Most sweetly sing when in the burning flame ; 
Or like my spouse, who on her bed arose. 
And sung in triumph near her awful close.* 

Let all whose hearts are fill'd with joy and love, 
And animated from the Source above. 
Rejoice indeed, and rise from mourning's seat, 
And in their hearts make melody complete. 
By understanding such can off'rings bring. 
And with the Spirit's sweet influence sing, 

* Alluding to the author's wife, who sang in t.iumrh o© ber 
death*bed» 



74 JOYFUL TIDINGS. 

" Glory to God," who reigns the kingdoms o'er, 
" On eaith is peace," and love for evermore. 
" God is a Spirit ' — listen ag'd and youth, 
" He's worshipp'd in the spirit and in truth." 



JOYFUL TIDINGS. 



A small pamphlet, in prose, Called " Joyful Tidings (o the begotten 
of God in all," fell into my hands, more than twenty years since, 
written by an unknown author ; who, 1 thought, deserved to be ranked 
with the inspired penmen. — It is hoped, that a lonely person, who de- 
lighted in religious amusement, will be excused for an attempt to 
clothe it in verse. 

Lo ! the Redeemer, in his mercy great, 
Comes to the mourners who in stillness wait. 
Let ev'ry lamp be trinmj'd without delay, 
And stand prepar'd for the immortal ray, 
That in his coming from his glorious throne, 
He by the light, may be distinctly known, 
And be receiv'd as all-sufficient grace. 
And followed to the heavnly resting place. 
For those who halt and slumber are unwise, 
And quite unlikely to obtain the prize. 
And those who travel with a hasty mind, 
Cannot the gracious great Redeemer find. 
The Kingdom's lost by coolness and delay, 
Or forwardness and haste upon the way. 
Therefore, Othou deep mourner at his gate, 
Who dost by Him to be deliver'd wait, 
Keep in the faith, and in the patience still, 
In His own hour He will thy treasures fill. 
Thou must not to the caneless ones incline, 
Nor with the forward, ranting spirits join — 
Thou must be quiet in the waiting place, 
Aad keep thine eye toward the source of grace — 



JOYFUL TIDINGS. '75 

Gn that which lets thee clearly see thy need, 

And that the object is Himself indeed. 

Behold ! 'tis true, as thou art standing still, 

In quiet waiting on 13 is holy will, 

He in an hour that thou canst not foreknow, 

Upon thee will His cheering life bestow^ 

For there is not a silent living groan, 

Arising in thee that's to Him unknown, 

He hath regard unto thy panting state — 

His eye is on thee with compassion great. 

But for the time thou shalt deliv'rance find, 

Thou art to wait with patience in thy mind : 

Because no man is to foresee the hour, 

When He will rise with His all-healing pow'r. 

Therefore let ev'ry seeking mind be still, 

And love the truth, and learn the heav'nly will ; 

Forlo! the Lord Almighty's forming hand. 

Is at the work and thou must patient stand. 

And those who quiet keep their hands will know 

His work to prosper, and their peace to flow. 

And in the stillness will to them appear, 

His faithfulness unto his children dear. 

For when was e'er a parent so beguil'd, 

As to forsake his own attentive child ? 

And in what place is it beset when he 

Will not afford it his assistance free ? 

And where is it in bondage and forgot, 

So that the tender father aids it notf 

J f thou refrain from what thou feels is sin, 
And faith and patience be continued in. 
He will not fail in His own work, until 
He bath performed the counsel of His will. 
For in His will, He generates anew, ^ 

And in due time the babe is brought to view. 
No human strength can do His work aright. 
Therefore be still and quiet in the light. 
And watch therein and wait for His own hour — 
He will draw nigh with his consoling pow'r. 
And animate thee in the time of need, 
O thou who seeks and mourns for Him indeed. 



76 JOYFUL TIDINGS. 

He then will grant his all-sufficient grace, 
And with His arms of mercy thee embrace. 
Thus He will heal thee, and will bring thee free 
From the strange land of thy captivity — 
Thou shall return as with delightful charms, 
Sweetly inclos'd in tliy beloved's arms. 
This is His time, He comes with healing cheers, 
And none must know his hour till he appears. 
*'TIs in His time — in His well chosen hour, 
He binds the broken hearted with Hispow'r — 
Saith to the weak, I am thy strength in need, 
And to the poor, I am thy help indeed — 
And to the mourner, in the gloomy night, 
Thy cumforter and most supreme delight — 
And to the captive, I am surely he, 
That comes to ransom and deliver thee. 
This is my hour, and I am come to lead, 
And see thee from thy painful bondage freed; 
For thou hast waited with a patient mind, 
Thuu hast been quiet, and hast not repin'd. 
And when the waters of affliction rose. 
My arm extended to abate thy woes. 
In thy distresses I have heard each cry, 
Have drawn to thee with gracious succour nigh ; 
And now [ come in love that's ever free, 
To cheer thy heart and to deliver thee. 
O patient mourner wisdom was thy choice ; 
This is indeed thy true beloved's voice : 
Lpt no strange sound thy favoured heart allure. 
For lo ! His word to thee is very sure — 
The promises of Him thou dost adore, 
Will stand for ever and for evermore. 4 

He will to thee the joyful news impart. 
Of sweet redemption to thy mourning heart : 
Turn not from Him, O friend to peace, thy face, 
But wait for him and His consoling grace ; 
For this is He, and this His chosen hour. 
To bring thee into iiis unshaken tow'r. 
Lo ! He hath seen thy travail since the day 
That thou wastform'd and lighted with His ray. 



JOYFUL TIDINGS. 



77 



In thy afflictions, that were deep and sore, 

He had for thee, His boundless love in store; 

And He hath not delay'd His drawing near, 

Though thou long sought [lim, with a heart sincere, 

And cry'd alone, in depth of anguish weighed, 

Why doth He not make haste to be my aid ? 

My deep afflictions, why are they so long 

Continu d on me, with a force so strong ? 

Say, hath He not, in that distressing hour, 

Been near to thee by His almighty pow'r ? 

And hath He not through all the scene of need, 

Been thy support, a comforter indeed f 

And hath He not attended to thy moan. 

Although it might have been to thee unknown? 

Thou wast supported in the trying day. 

That so thou nnghtst not faint upon the way, 

Till the arrival of His gracious hour, 

To ransom thee, and bring thee to His tow'r. 

Let none who have been visited in love. 
Miss of this hour of comfort from above. 
By carelessness or forwardness of mind, 
For they are both unstable in their kind. 
The one which saith His coming He'll delay. 
Is like the careless spirit on the way, 
And that which saith " Behold he comes this hour, 
*' Let us go forth to meet Him in his pow'r." 
Now mark it well, ^' Let us go forth," they cry ; 
This is the forward Spirit we should try — 
It strays from patience and dependance true, 
From that blest state that doth its strength renew — 
From waiting in {throughout the lonely night) 
The pure and perfect measure of His light. 
These births are not conducted by the Pow'r — 
Are both born out of the true time and hour.. 
The careless proves a heavy one and dies — 
The forward like a vapour that will rise : 
In the beginning it was something fair ; 
But wanting weight, it rises in the air — 
Awhile appears some glory to display^ 
Then like a meteor vanishes away. 

9 



78 JOYFUL TIDINGS. 

But lo ! the heart that quiet is and still, 
That waits in patience on the Holy Will, 
Shall be renevv'd like one indeed new born, 
In the auspicious and delightful morn. 
And though it hath been sorely bruis'd andlur'd, 
It stood the test — hath patiently endur'd ; 
And though it hath been long in mourning bent, 
It still hath been, in that distress, content — 
And in the deepest of its mis'ry known, 
It fled for refuge to the glorious throne ; 
And hath not been, although it felt the rod, 
Without some faith and secret hope in God. 
Yes, in the time it could not see which wfiy 
Relief should come, its anguish to allay. 
It breath'd in silence to the Father's throne — 
Its confidence hath put in Him alone. 
Thus by dependance that was firm and true, 
Upon the life from which it wholly grew. 
Was long enabled to endure the pain — 
Hath on the arm of preservation lain. 
It hath not said. His coming He delays, 
And I am weary waiting on His ways — 
It hath not said, He cometh forth andlo I 
I will arise, forthwith to meet Him go ; 
But here I lie, like one that dwells alone, 
And my distress is not to Him unknown. 
Here, at the posts of heav'nly wisdom's gate, 
The hour of His own coming [ will wait. 
1 have no strength a single step to move. 
Until He aid me by the pow'r of love : 
He, where I am, must light me, with His sun, 
And do for me whatever can be done ; 
Or here I must all lonely lie and mourn, 
Until I to the silent tomb be borne, 
I dare not slumber, lest I then should miss 
His blest appearance, when He comes with bliss ; 
To go to meet him I'll not let my mind. 
Lest I should not my well beloved find ; 
But here I'll sit awaiting for His hour, 
Till He arrives with his redeeming pow'r. 



JOYFUL TIDINGS. 

G lovely one, that's in the tender state, 
That cloth with constant application wait 
For thy beloved, who now pities thee, 
The object of thy Father's sympathy : 
Heil not forsake His own attentive child, 
But will preserve ihee through the lonely wild ; 
He will console thee in the hour of pain, 
And in affliction by his povv-r sustain. 
Thou art the bruis d, and He is come to heal ; 
The patient mourner, who His strength will feel ; 
The captive, and He comes to ransom thee ; 
In boundless goodness He will set thee free : 
This is His hour, although his night was long, 
And pow'rs of darkness and temptation strong. 

O innocent ! thy Parent thee will bless. 
And consolate thee in thy deep distress. 
No one thy lonely, secret travail knows ; 
None understand from whence thy comfort flows^ 
But they who thus to watch and wait are free, 
And who are of the same pure life with thee. 
No eye can see, nor pity thy low state. 
But that which on thee hath compassion great. 
Thou art the babe that lives by faith that's true, 
And though deliverance seems remote from view, 
Yet through thy faith thy mind on Him is stayed, 
Who in His hour will make His love pervade. 
By his own strength who views and comforts thee, 
When thou art veil'd in deep adversity, 
Hf works for thee, in things both great and small, 
For in thyself thou nothing art at all- 
In ev'ry place, his pow'r is thy defence, 
Thy riches great in poverty intense ; 
Though thou art in the lonely shade of night, 
Thou art His pleasure and His great delight ; 
The covenant of Him, thou dost adore, 
Stands sure with thee now and for evermore^ 

O glorious birth of immortahty ! 
Thou art belov'd, and lo ! His love is free ; 
O highly favour'd of the Lord thy God, 
Behold, He loves thee in thy low abode ; 



so JOYFUL TID1NG&. 

Has from thy glorious visitation morn, 
And ever since the instant thou wast born. 
Lo ! He delights to honour thee indeed, 
And see thee from thy sore affliction freed : 
For out of all the earthly fam'lies He, 
In tender mercy now hath chosen thee — 
From all false births, behold, He separates, 
And thee anew His forming hand creates. 
The Gentile's glory He will give to thee ; 
The earth's high places shall thy footstool be. 
Lo ! at the glory of His rising bright, 
The dawn of day expels the gloom of night ; 
The bright appearance of His beauteous ray, 
Makes a delightful and a perfect day. 
All mists and fogs will at His presence clear ; 
The clouds will vanish when He dravveth near ; 
The light that issues from His glorious throne, 
Transcends all lights the world has ever known. 
The heav'nly bodies, that before could shine, 
Withdraw at the superior light divine. 
This brightness which so gloriously invites, 
Transcends all borrow'd and inferior lights ; 
And at the splendour of the glorious ray. 
These vanish like the morning cloud away. 

There is no mixture that can here deceive ; 
Nor dross nor tin to thee can ever cleave ; 
The furnace hath a separation made. 
Of earthly matter that within thee weigh'd, 
That His pure light may in its glory shine, 
And he may rule in Majesty Divine. 
This is the Jewel and the precious Seed, 
In which is love and unity indeed. 
He hath preparM, who sits upon the throne, 
For thee a kingdom — thou must dwell alone ; 
Thou must not be with airy ones that soar. 
Nor number'd with transgressors any more. 

See Zion's glory o'er the earth extend, 
Like show'rs of pure celestial dew descend: 
Let earth and heaven humbly bow the knee, 
O Prince of Zion ! all must worship Thee ; 



JOYFUL TIDINGS. 81 

For all is earthly that below Thee lies, 
And light and airy that above Thee rise. 
With Thee is life and love that's free and pure 5 
Thou art indeed the saint's Foundation sure ; 
The King that they with ardent love adore ; 
The glorious Sun that shines for evermore. 
To worship Thee in love, the virgins meet ; 
The savour of Thy ointment that is sweet, 
Draws them to follow with delight that's great. 
On Thee in love that i.s unfeign'd to wait, 
And to rejoice in union pure with Thee, 
And sing Thy praise, in heav'nly harmony. 

O Zion ! now thy glorious strength display, 
Thy mourning garment cast from thee away, 
For the Most High who reigns in realms above, 
Remembers thee in everlasting love : 
The time of thy long widowhood hath seen ; 
The days thou hast a lonely captive been. 
He hath beheld thy solitary state ; - 

The years of thy adversity so great : 
And now He is attending to thy cry ; 
To work deliv'rance He is drawing nigh ; 
To bring thee out from where thou wast di-tre=s'd, 
And from all strangers where thou wast oppress d : 
And to advance thy beauteous holy Hill, 
O er all the grandeur of the earthly will; 
With thee in love that's lasting to unite, 
And in thy perfect comeliness delight. 
Then let thy mourning end in joyful lays ; 
Thy sorrow turn to living songs of praise ; 
For thy Redeemer comes with life, and He 
S:niles with a lovely countenance on thee : 
And thou not only shalt sweet anthems raise, 
But be indeed of all the earth the praise; 
Saith Ke, whose hand doth all these glorious things* 
The Lord of Lords, and mighty King of Kings. 

Lo ! let the tongue that long was dumb be freed, 
The joyful tidings in the heart to read : 
Where He, who is the everlasting Lord, 
Redeems his chosen by hispow'rful word : 

8* 



62 THE DELUGE. 

Supplies them from his inexhausted store, 
And gracious blessing grants for evermore. 



THE DELUGE. 



From ancient Adam two great families camCj 
Each were distingfiish'd by a different name j 
Unlike in nature and the paths they trod, 
"Were calPd the sons of men, and sons of God. 
The sons of men descendants were of Cain, 
They prov'd licentious, dissolute and vain ; 
The sons of God, were Seth's religious race, 
They highly valued piety and grace. 

When men on earth were greatly multiplied, 
And daughters born whose fame extended wide f 
The sons of God, for want of pious care, 
Beheld the daughters of Cain's race were fair — 
Their beauty, and their great attractions saw. 
With pow'r enchanting, that appeared to draw ; 
A most familiar intercourse arose, 
And they took wives of any whom they chose. 
However they might be deprav'd before. 
This aggravated their transgression more : 
In nuptial ties they with strange women mix'd, 
Whereby on them destruction's seal was fix'd. 
The Lord then said, " My Spirit shall not strive 
Always with man, to save his soul alive. 
Because he's flesh — I now indeed decree, 
One hundred twenty years, his days shall be.'' 

God with displeasure view'd the sinful state 
Of man on earth, whose wickedness was great ; 
Whose whole delight, and each pursuit was vain — 
Were one incessant, most rebellious strain. 
So widely man from his Creator stray'd, 
The Lord repented that he man had made : 
To speak as men their sentiments impart. 
That he made man, now griev'd him at his heart. 



THE DELUGE. 



83 



The end of this rebellious race was nigh : 
The Lord declar'd in his displeasure high : 
** I'll man destroy, with ev'ry fowl and beast, 
They all shall die frona greatest to the least." 

This came to pass, in worthy Noah's days, 
One who had gain d his Maker's love and praise. 
He was (if any should to know incline) 
From Adam tenth, in Seth's once favour'd line ; 
Calld just and perfect authorised to teach. 
And qualified true righteousness to preach : 
God gave of him this testimony grand, 
"Thee have I seen before me righteous stand/' 
Pure virtue, truth and piety he chose, 
To honour — glory, with his Maker rose ; 
Was so esteem'd, and much belov'd we find, 
That when the waters overwhelm'd mankind, 
His family, in number only eight, 
T\'ere sav'd, indeed, by a deliv'rance great. 

Of this great deluge, on the wicked sent, 
God gave them notice — calPd them to repent : 
By Noah's preaching, and the ark likewise, 
They long were warn d« but clos'd their ears and eyes* 

The years lent men to listen and obey, 
Were passing like the fleeting wind away. 
And they would not the invitation heed — 
Persisting in their wickedness indeed. 
The Lord told Noah what he had design'd, 
Of the destruction, of the human kind ; 
That he a flood upon the earth would bring, 
For man's rebellion gainst the heavenl} King* 
Directed him a spacious ark to make, 
For him and fam'ly, he should with him take j 
And also some of every herd and flock. 
And every fowl, the earth again lo slock. 
That tho' this race he could no more endure, 
With him he'd make a covenant ujost sure. 

This ark vvas great in magnitude and strength, 
About four hundred fifty feet in length, 
And seventy five the breadth iherecjf was, quite, 
And forty-five, or fifteen yards, in height. 



§4 THE DELUGE. 

So faithful Noah built the ark complete, 
And was therein commanded to retreat : 
Seven days before the rain began to fall, 
He who is Sovereign Ruler over all, 
Told Noah he must speedily embark, 
And take his family with him in the ark ; 
That he therein, must safely with him bring 
Some of all beasts, and every creeping thing. 
And also fowls whose element is air, 
A male and female — he must take a pair. 
Clean beasts by sevens must with him proceed : 
Three pairs of them were savM alive, to breed. 
The seventh, doubtless, they would greatly prize, 
After the flood, for food and sacrifice. 
It surely by divine instinct appears. 
The creatures gave themselves up volunteers. 
Of food, he took a plenteous store, we find. 
For household fare, and beasts of every kind. 

When Noah had the high command obey'd, 
Embark'd on board the vessel he had made, 
Himself and wife, and his three sons and wives, 
And all the crtatures, to preserve their lives, 
And of provisions taken in the store, 
The Lord himself vouchsafed to shut the door. 
All this occurr'd we find by sacred page. 
In the six hundreth year of Noah's age. 

The rain began in torrents then to fall, 
Shock'd old and voung, alarm'd the great and small. 
Then broken were the fountains of the deep ; 
In vain might men for mercy cry and weep : 
They'd sinn'd their day of visitation o'er. 
Could have the gracious privilege no more. 
Heaven's flood-gates open'd, each the misery shar'd. 
Nor man, nor beast, the mighty deluge spar'd. 

When forty days the rain had fallen free, 
The ark was floated as upon the sea ; 
Ami when the flood was wondrously increased, 
It rose o'er hills and mountains of the east : 
But y('\ was safely thro' the scene controll'd, 
1 ho' billows like a mighty ocean roll'd. 



THE DELUGE. 85 

To that degree prevaiPd the awful flood, 
It fifteen cubits o'er the mountains stood. 

Thus fell this wicked and rebellious race, 
That hated virtue, piety and grace ; 
Here they all died, and every living thing, 
That mov'd on earth, or mounted on the wing, 
Were swept away, except the favoured few, 
With Noah sav'd, to stock the world anew, 

When this great judgment on the world was wroughf, 
The Lord upon his servant Noah thought. 
And shut the fountains of the mighty deep, 
Tlie rains from falling on the earth to keep ; 
The windows of the high expanse were closed, 
A driving wind the mighty flood oppos'd ; 
The waters then assuag'd, as by command, 
And like a torrent, run from off the land. 
The flood prevail'd one hundred fifty days, 
And after that, (as sacred record says) 
The vessel struck, and made a lasting stand, 
Upon a mountain in Armenia's land. 

Ten weeks and half it rested there, 'tis said, 
Each lofty mountam then unveil'd his head : 
A sight productive of no little cheer, 
But Noah knew the mountains would appear, 
When water might be, in the vallies, deep, 
Yet forty days he all confin'd did keep; 
And after this, he forth a raven sent. 
Which to and fro, till th' waters dried, went. 

From this; we find, about the seventh day, 
He from the vessel, sent a dove away, 
But she not finding any resting stand, 
Because the waters overflow'd the land, 
Soon to return unto the ark was fain. 
And Noah took her in to him again. 
Seven days from this, he made one trial more. 
Sent out the dove, the vallies to explore ; 
She in her bill, at evening's safe retreat, 
Came with a leaf, from off the olive sweet. 
By which he knew the waters were allay'd ; 
Yet seven days he from the present stay'd, 



86 THE DELUGE. 

Then sent the dove, as he had done before, 
And she return'd to him again, no more. 

When Noah had, with some solicitude, 
Been there three months, since he the mountains view'd, 
Tiiis lonely dwelling he unclosed, and found 
That then was dry, the surface of the ground. 
Yet having a devout regard of mind, 
In coming forth, (as he embarked) resign'd 
To God's command, to whom his ardour glow'd, 
He eight weeks longer in the ark abode. 
And right it was, that he should there abide, 
Not only till he saw the ground was dried. 
But, till it might some verdant fruit produce, 
That would be needful for the creatures' use. 
From time he enter'd, till he went on shore, 
Was one whole year, a week or little more. 

The lime arrived, he had the Lord's command, 
For him and for his family to land. 
And all the living creatures forth to lead, 
Abundantly upon the earth to breed. 
So came forth Noah — he the word obey'd, 
Was through the scene by his Creator swayM. 

Then righteous iVoah, there an altar rais'd, 
And with thanksgiving his Preserver prais'd : 
Burnt offerings offer'd, of clean beasts, we find, 
With gratitude, and reverence of mind. 
He found acceptance with the Lord complete, 
God smell'd a savour, that to Him was sweet ; 
And then He made a covenant of grace, 
With Noah, and with his succeeding race. 
A gracious promise surely He made then. 
The ground no more to curse, because of men — 
A gen'ral flood there should not be again, 
While He the earth permitted to remain, 
Seed time and harvest, day, night, heat and cold, 
Summer and winter He would not withhold. 

He then conferr'd a confirmation sure, 
A token that his cov'nant should endure : 
When men should see the gloomy storms arise, 
The rain descend, to keep them from surprise, 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 87 

He in the cloud vouchsafed to set his bow, 

A token sure, to let the people know 

The word of Him, who bounds the sea and shore, 

That floods should overflow the world no more. 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 



Come view the life of Joseph, the renown'd, 
Who sou2:ht the truth, and heav'nly wisdom found : 
The life of this great Patriarch, I sing, 
Rais'd from a slave to govern like a king : 
A pattern of stability in youth — 
A lover of fidelity and truth : 
He quite unshaken, like a mountain stood, 
To him each evil was a source of good. 
When rais d to povv'r — when he in state could ride, 
He shunn'd the path of vanity and pride — 
When he was potent, he forgave and sav'd, 
Those who were cruel when he mercy crav'd : 
His love was bounteous, and his grace was free, 
To pardon a repenting enemy. 
In him through life, love had the chiefest place, 
It flow'd to God, and to the human race. 
Let all who have true happiness in view, 
The path of virtue patiently pursue ; 
O youth, your time in wisdom's ways employ ! 
And truth's sublime advantages enjoy. 

When Joseph was, says ancient sacred page, 
A youth, advanc'd to seventeen years of age ; 
His father's flock, he and four brethren fed, 
And there he found what evil lives they led. 
He to his father stated this, in truth. 
Which made them angry at the harmless youth. 

The patriarch was of a store possess'd. 
Of stronger love for Joseph than the rest, 



85 THE LIFE OP JOSEPH. 

Because he was of his old age the son — 
First-born of Kachel, by long patience won ; 
Who now in youth, displayed a virtuous mind, 
Was like himself to piety inclin'd. 
To Joseph he too much distinction paid, 
A coat for him of divers colours made, 
His brothers' spite by this was much increased, 
All social converse they with Joseph ceas'd. 

Soon for their malice rose another theme, 
About this time young Joseph dream'd a dream ; 
While sleeping peaceful, 'twas to him reveal'd, 
That he and they at labour in the field, 
Were binding sheaves, and, to his wonder quite, 
His sheaf arose, and lo ! it stood upright; 
His brethren's sheaves, that standing were around, 
To his sheaf made obeisance to the ground. 
When this he simply to his brethren told, 
Their indignation they could not withhold. 
" Shalt thou rule us (said they) a stripling vain, 
Shalt thou o'er us, a mighty monarch reign f" 
Their hatred now was greater than before, 
But soon the youth was led to dream once more. 
*' The sun, moon, and eleven stars (said he) 
When in my sleep obeisance made to me." 
This dream he could not in his bosom hold. 
But to his father and his brethren told. 
The consequence thereof his father view'd, 
And he rebuk'd him, as a litde rude. 
But though he thus of Joseph's dream made light, 
That it might not be so offensive quite, 
To his hard sons, almost for war array'd, 
It on his mind a deep impression made. 

When of fresh pasture they became in need, 
They with their flock to Shechem went to feed ; 
And Jacob wishing how they far'd to know. 
Directed Joseph forth to them to go, 
And get intelligence if all was well, 
And then return, and him the tidings tell. 
The filial youth was ready to consent, 
jFj-om Hebron's vale, away to Shechem wei?t 



TH^ LIFE OF JOSEPH. 89 

He found that they from Shechem had withdrawn, 

And understood they were to Dothan gone. 

He thither went — as he was drawing nigh, 

They happened him approaching to discry; 

And to a vile conspiracy were led, 

His dreams were grievous, and they wish'd him dead. 

" Behold this master dreamer comes, said they, 
As soon as he comes hither, let us slay, 
And cast his body in a lonely pit, 
A place for vain and idle dreamers fit : 
We then will this convincing story feign, 
That he was by a hungry lion slain. 
We him into oblivion's shade will send, 
And then behold where all his dreams will end.'^ 

When Reuben heard their grossly wild intent, 
His study was the mischief to prevent ; 
Their bloody plan he view'd with mental pain, 
And wish'd to send his brother home again: 
He told them their contrivance was not good, 
" Let us, said he, abstain from shedding blood, 
But let us cast him (it would be more mild) 
In yon deep pit, within the lonely wild; 
My counsel s better than the scheme you planned, 
Let us upon him lay no bloody hand.'' 

The mode of treatment he propos'd as best. 
Was listened to, and sanction'd by the rest : 
And they resolv'd to make the youth a prey, 
Seiz'd him, and stript him of his garment gay! 
With hearts congeal'd, like adamant or stone, 
He then was in the gloomy dungeon thrown. 

Now Reuben saw him in the pit, conceiv'd 
There would be means for him to be reliev'd 5 
Therefore he seem'd to favour their design, 
Tho' to relieve him was his aim benign. 
But on some call another way he went. 
The rest while eating, with a dark content ; 
Approaching view'd an Ishmaelitish band, 
Of late from Gilead, bound to Egypt's land, 
With sturdy camels, laden with supplies,! 
Of spices, balm, and other merchandize. 

9 



90 THE LIFE OP JOSEPH. 

Then Judah spoke, like one concern'd for good, 
" Shall we kill Joseph, and conceal his blood f 
My heart from such a cruel scene invites, 
Come let us sell him to the Ishmaelites : 
Let not our hand be heavy on the youth, 
For he's our brother, and our flesh, in truth.** 
So true is this, we of the wicked read. 
Their tender mercies cruel are indeed.* 

When they had Judah's project understood, 
They all united, and pronounced it good : 
Since by this means they could their end obtain, 
Get rid of him, and by the bargain gain. 
So Joseph from the gloomy pit they drew, 
And notwithstanding his entreaty new. 
Would not regard his anguish nor his moan, 
With cruelty but rarely seen or known, 
For twenty silver pieces, we are told, 
They Joseph to the foreign merchants sold. 

As Reuben was returning by the pit, 
He found his brother then was not in it; 
And apprehending they had Joseph slain, 
He rent his clothes, for anguish and for pain. 
A mode in eastern regions to express 
1 he deepest sorrow, and extreme distress. 
In mournful accent? he their conduct blam'd ;. 
He went to them, *' The child is gone, exclaim'd, 
What shall I do — -what will become of me ; 
Where shall I turn, or whither shall I flee ?'' 

So Reuben mourn'd, he thought that of them all, 
His father's anger most on him would fall ; 
As he was eldest, should have had most care 
Of him who was the youngest brother there. 
The rest of them contriving what to tell. 
On this expedient craftily they fell ; 
To keep their father from a thought remote. 
That they were guilty, they took Joseph's coat, 
And kilPd a kid ; with blood the garment stain'dj 
And sent it on, with this account they feign'd, 
** This we have found, remote from thy abode, 
Is it the same thou on thy son bestow'd ?" 

* Prov. xii. 10. 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 91 

Then Jacob was with bitter anguish smote, 

Exclaiming, said, " It is my Joseph's coat. 

A beast of prey hath met him in his route ; 

My son is slain ; he's dead without a doubt." 

7n grief extreme, he then his garments rent, 

And into deep and doleful mourning went ; 

In sackloth clad, he shed the briny, tears, 

And mourn'd for Joseph, days, and months, and years.. 

'Tis not unlikely but each guilty son, 
That found his father so with grief o'errun, 
And sui)k in sorrow, might too late relent — 
Ot their enormous wickedness repent : 
.But durst not now discover what they'd done, 
To their old father's highly valu'd son. 
Vile as they were, they yet presum'd we find, 
To comfort him, when overwhelm'd in mind : 
So were their wives and tender sister led ; 
But he refusing consolation, said, 
*' ril mourning go, until my race is run, 
Down to the grave, in sorrow for my son.'' 

We find the merchants — Ishmaelitish train, 
Who bought young Joseph, forthe sake of gain. 
Took him to Egypt, where we now behold, 
Him as a slave to an Egyptian sold, 
Who was the captain of the monarch's guard : 
Soon he perceiv'd 'twas not a bargain hard ; 
The profit of a faithful servant found, 
Who was by truth, and sacred virtue bound. 
The Lord bless'd Joseph in that distant land, 
And prosper'd him, in all he took in hand. 
This dignified him in his master's view ; 
A favourite he early with him grew. 
He serv'd his master with a heart sincere, 
Who soon advanced hira, in his house with cheer. 
His property was put in Joseph's hand, ^ 

All his possessions at the youth's command ; 
And lo ! the captain, and what he possessed, 
For Joseph's sake, indeed, was greatly bless'd : 
Thus was the blessing of the Lord, a shield, 
On all he had, both in the house and field. 



9J2 THE LIFE QP JOSEPH. 

Joseph not only was esteemM for truth, 
But greatly notic'd, as a comely youth ; 
His master's wife, who would from virtue part, 
Addressed young Joseph, with an amVous heajt. 
But he by wisdom — purest virtue led, 
With firmness that was never shaken, said, 
^* How can I sin, and thus incur the rod, 
Do this great wickedness against my God ?" 
Awhile from this upon a certain day, 
"When from the house the people were away. 
She so far o'er the bounds of virtue broke, 
In her wild frenzy caught- him by his cloak. 
As he was still immoveable in mind, 
He fled from her, and left his cloak behind. 
She in a rage, aside the garment laid, 
Until her husband his appearance made ; 
Then spreading it before him, like a saint, 
Of Joseph made a pitiful complaint. 

The unsuspecting master heard her tale, 
Which could not to excite his vengeance fail : 
Not thinking she a word of falsehood spoke, 
With ease deceived at sight of Joseph's cloak. 
He took him up, with an avenging power, 
And close confin'd him in king Pharaoh's tower, 
A place where pris'ners of the state were bound ; 
There he must feel the galling iron's wound.* 
Afflicted youth with the Egyptian band — 
Stranger with strangers, in a distant land ; 
No relative, no advocate or friend 
To plead his cause — his innocence defend. 

But he was favour'd, in the gloomy day. 
With peace the world can't give, nor take away.. 
His friend was truth — he felt its calming rays ; 
The Lord was with him in probation's days : 
His gracious favour did to him extend, 
He made the gaoler humble Joseph's friend ; 
And he was soon brought to promotion here, 
Of all the prisoners made an overseer. 

* Psalm cv. 18, 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 93 

The things of little consequence, and great, 
Dune in the prison, he must regulate. 
'Hie Lord was with this faithful youth indeed, 
And made all things he took in hand, succeed. 

Thus Joseph rul'd king Pharaoh's prison o'er^ 
As he had ruPd his captain's house, before. 
Tho' thus promoted, he was prisoner still, 
But in due time, it was the heavenly will, 
Whose mercies to his children never cease, 
To make a way for Joseph's full release. 
He from the prison was by means set free, 
No human prudence ever could foresee. 

The butler and the baker of the king, 
Gave him offence, in some important thing ; 
The monarch highly anger'd in his mind, 
Imprison'd them where Joseph was confin'd; 
The keeper plac'd them under Joseph's care, 
Who overlooked, and saw their daily fare. 

While in the prison, they, one gloomy night. 
Had each a dream, to them alarming quite : 
When morning came, their hearts were so distressed, 
That Joseph found their visages depress'd ; 
He query'd of them, *'Tell me now I pray. 
Wherefore ye look so sorrowful, to-day f" 
They let him know, his view indeed was right. 
That each of them had dream'd a dream that night ; 
Their hearts seem'd ready with distress to fail ; u/ 
They knew none who the meaning could unveil. ■ ■ 

Egyptians then, depended much, it seems. 
On their soothsayers, to interpret dreams : 
The butler and the baker, thus restrain'd, 
They knew not how there could be one obtained. 
That they their views might otherwise incline. 
The youth referr'd to wisdom that's divine. 
The true unfolder of mysterious themes — 
Requested, them to let him know their dreams. 
They to relate them, willingly; were led : p/r^-; 
" When in my dream, the anxious butler; ssld^i 
A vine before Jue my attention. drew, ;, -;■/?>- •;. 
From which forthwith, three verdant brartches grew : 

8* 



94 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

They budded and were soon with blossoms fraught, 
And sweet ripe grapes the hanging clusters brought : 
Lo ! in my hand I held the monarch's cup, 
From which the wine his practice was to sup ; 
I from the clusters press'd delicious juice, 
And gave it into Pharaoh's nand for use." 

Attentive Joseph soon unveil'd the theme, 
The true interpretation of the dream ; 
** The three green branches mean, within three days. 
The king shall thee among his servants raise; 
Lift up thy head, restore thee to thy stand. 
And thou shalt put the cup in Pharaoh's hand, 
As in past days when it was kept by thee, 
This is the meaning of thy dream," said he : 
But added Joseph, " When thy favours flow, 
Fijrget me not, thy gratitude bestow ; 
Make mention of me kindly to the king, 
That he may me from this confinement bring. 
For 1 indeed was by a wicked band. 
Sold into bondage from the Hebrews' land : 
I've done no wrong, in action or in mind, 
For which I should in prison be confin'd." 

The baker seeing how the butler far'd. 
Somewhat elated, he his dream declared : 
" I also was, when in my vision, led. 
To view three baskets standing on my head ; 
And in the one that was above the rest, 
Was bakers meats, for Pharaoh nicely drest ; 
Upon this meat the birds of prey were fed, 
They ate it from the basket on my head." 
This Joseph heard, and view'd the baker's ^tate, 
This is, said he. the meaning, and thy fate ; 
These baskets likewise, represent three days, 
Within that time, lo ! Pharaoh shall thee raise, 
Quite out of office, hang thee on a tree. 
And there the birds shall eat thy flesh from thee/^ 

Three days from this they had a great parade, 
'Twas Pharaoh's birth-day ; he a banquet made, 
For all his servants, and did then restore 
The butler to his office, as before : 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 95 

Far otherwise it with the baker far'd, 

He hung him, just ^s Joseph had declar'd. 

Poor Joseph might, with reason good, have thought. 
That now the butler was to office brought, 
The monarch's favour he would try to gain, 
So as for him sweet freedom to obtain. 
But yet the heedless butler, it appears. 
Foi'got him long^ — he yet remain'd two years, 
Enjoying grace, truth, innocence, and peace, 
Ere any way appear'd for his release. 

When these two years had terminated quite, 
The king himself was much alarm'd one night ; 
When he in bed had sought repose awhile, 
He dreamM of standing by the river Nile ; 
That stream of ancient and of modern fame, 
And lo ! there forth out of the river came 
Seven fat flesh'd and well favoured kine, that fed 
On verdant grass, in an adjoining mead : 
And after them came seven more out Iran, *) 

All quite ill-favourM, and extremely mean, ^ 

Such as he'd never in that kingdom seen. J. 

And these upon the river's border stood. 
Beside the kine that were fat-flesh'd and good. 
And lo ! the lean, and the ill favour'd kine, 
Eat up the seven, that were fat and fine, 
When they upon the goodly kine had prey'd, 
They look'd no better for the meal they made. 

Pharaoh awoke — to sleep again he fell, 
And in his vision view'd things strange to tell ; 
He dream'd seven ears of corn, all full and good, 
Grew on one stalk, completely fit for food ; 
Seven vvither'd ears sprang after them to view, 
All blasted with an eastern wind that blew. 
And lo ! the ears that were unfit to eat, 
Devour'd the others that were fill'd complete. 
Then he awoke, and lo ! it was a dream — 
Was wonder-struck at the mysterious theme. 

When morning came, his dreams with him remain'd,. 
His heart with deep solicitude v/as pain'd ; 



96 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

He sent In haste for the magicians round, 
And men ofvvisdom in his kingdom found : 
To these he told his most alarming tale, 
But none of them the nyst'ry could unveil. 

Behold the time was now arriv'd, we find, 
Poor Joseph came into the butler's mind : 
So he unfolded — to the king made known, 
" When he and baker were in prison thrown, 
That in their dreams one solitary night, 
They things beheld, and marveli'd at the sight ; 
Which a young Hebrew, in a prison barr'd, 
A servant to the captain of the guard, 
Interpreted to each of us — behold ! 
It came to pass precisely as he told — 
My office was restored again to me, 
But lo ! they hang'd the baker on a tree." 

On this, the monarch for young Joseph sought. 
And him in haste they from the prison brought. 
As his appearance was in garb too mean, 
Heshav'd himself, and put on raiment clean : 
Then Joseph, who was humble, wise and good. 
Before the grand Egyptian monarch stood : 
*' I've dream'd a dream, said Pharaoh, which in vain, 
Have the magicians labour'd to explain ; 
But I, of late, have been inform'd of thee. 
That thou canst into things mysterious see ; 
And by rtie aid of some discerning pow'r. 
Interpret visions of the midnight hour." 

Joseph would not in his own pow'rs confide, 
" 'Tis not in me, he modestly repli'd ; 
But God, the true inteipreter, who's kind, 
Will give the king an answer to his mind." 
The monarch then, with some increase of cheej, 
Jlis dreams related for the youth to hear. ! 

Th' interpretatiuii was to Joseph plain, 
He told the king, that tiio' his dreams were twaiuj 
Or two in seinblance,.it might be rejy'd, 
X,h,at they one thing completely signify 'd: ' 

The seven fat kine, said he, and seven good earSj 
Po represent one and the same, seven years ; 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 97 

And these predict what is indeed at hand, 

They mean seven years of plenty in the land : 

The seven lean kine, and seven empty ears, 

Are to describe another seven years ; 

And these unfold what will ere long be seen, 

They seven years of grievous famine mean ; 

By which the Lord hath brought to human view^ 

And shown the king what he's about to do. 

As first came up seven kine, and ears, all good, 

And after them the seven unfit for food ; 

So there shall come (with very little toil,) 

Seven years of plenty thro' the favoured soil 5 

And after them, with hurror and surprise, 

Shall seven years of grievous famine rise ; 

So great the plenty, that had overflown, 

Shall be forgotten, shall no more be known, 

By reason of the famine, near at hand, 

That will consume the people of the land. 

Fe told the king, the doubling of the dream. 

Was to assure, and certify the theme ; 

And that these things, tho' new and strange indeed, 

He might depend would come to pass with speed. 

When Joseph had unveiFd the hidden thing, 
He then proceeded to advise the king ; 
How he indeed, might, in his royal state. 
Improve the dream to an advantage great; 
^' Therefore, said he, let Pharaoh look around, 
And let a man, discreet and wise, be found ; 
And give all Egypt into his command. 
Let him appoint o'erseers throughout the land; 
To take a fifth of all the things that grow, 
Which in the seven plenteous seasons flow ; 
In magazines let them abundance lajp. 
Against the famine, and the trying day ; 
That having stores of sustenance at hand. 
The people still may live upon the land." 

Th' interpretation of the dream complete. 
And to the king his counsel so discreet, 
Were all received, in Pharaoh's view as good, 
And by his servants, who around him stoodj 



98 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

Says Pharaoh to his courtiers, '' Can we find, 
A man like this among the human kind ; 
He is by me with admiration view'd, 
A man who with God's Spirit is endued : 
He turn'd his speech to Joseph then and said, 
Because the Lord, who hath thy spirit led, 
Hath shown thee this, in his propitious care, 
There's none in wisdom can with thee compare 5 
Thou shalt be ruler o'er my house and field, 
IVly people all to thy command shall yield ; 
The rule of Egypt now shall be thy own, 
I only will be greatest on the throne." 

So he bestow'd on him, without delay ,^ 
The ensigns of great dignity and sway — 
Yes, splendid Pharaoh, the Egyptian king, 
Then took from his own royal hand the ring, 
Which he on humble Joseph's finger laid, 
And him in vestures of fine silk array'd ; 
Did him with the superbest honours deck, 
He put a golden chain about his neck, 
And made him in his second chariot ride-— 
His heralds going on before him, cried, 
To " Bow the knee ;" and at the king's command, 
They made him ruler over all the land. 
Then higher still to raise young Joseph's fame, 
He Zaphnath-paaneah call'd his name ; 
And that he might enjoy the sweets of life, 
Gave him the daughter of a prince to wife. 

Joseph had been a bondman, it appears, 
In that strange region, thirteen trying years ; 
When on a sudden, lo ! the Lord in love, 
Rais'd him to honour — set him far above 
His mistress, who had falsely him accus'd — 
Above his master who had him abus'd, 
Thrown him in prison, in his anger hot — 
Above the butler who had him forgot-r 
Above the rulers in the kingdom known — 
O'er ev'ry man, but Pharaoh on his throne. 

And now commenc'd the seven plenteous years j 
The earth produc'd each fruit that greatly cheers, 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 99 

Abundantly, and Joseph gave command, 
When on his circuit thro' the fertile land, 
To gather up of all the food a share, 
All they, besides a sustenance, could spare. 
He, corn and fruits in great abundance found, 
And stor'd it safely in the cities round. 
Thus he continued to increase the store. 
And heap'd up grain, as sand upon the shore. 
They kept account, but to an end they came, 
It was beyond the reach of numbers name. 

Thus thro' the seven plenteous years they pass'd, 
And then commenc'd the seven years of blast. 
As Joseph had expounded Pharaoh's dream, 
So was the sad, and most distressing theme ; 
Throughout all Kgypt was the dearth severe, 
And o'er the regions that were far and near. 
In Egypt still it was not quite so sore, 
Because awhile they had a plenteous store. 
But when the famine there increas'd, *tis said, 
The people cali'd upon their king for bread | 
They were by Pharaoh unto Joseph sent, 
Then they to him with their petition went : 
So he sold corn to the Egyptians nigh, 
And those who came from distant lands to bu}% 

To that degree the famine rag'd around, 
There was no bread in all the regions found, 
Except what Joseph had at his command : 
Here Egypt's kingdom, and all Canaan's land, 
Were in a state the pen can scarcely paint, 
They were by reason of the famine faint. 

Jacob, at length, was by some person told, 
That there was corn in Egypt to be sold : 
He charg'd his sons, to not stay there in pain. 
But go to Egypt, and procure some grain. 
His ten first sons, to this command took heed, 
Without delay for Egypt they proceed ; 
The youngest, Jacob kept at his abode, 
For fear some ill would happen on the road. 

Though Joseph rul'd the land of Egypt o'er^ 
He would not trust to deputies the store ; 



100 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH, 

But overlook'd, with an attentive eye, 

How corn was dealt to those who came to buy. 

His brethren when they had the gov'nor found, 
Bow'd down their heads before him near the ground. 
He at first sight, his brethren clearly knew, 
Tho' he was quite a stranger in their view : 
His dream of them occurring to his mind, 
To try hard treatment he was then inclin'd, 
To see if that would bring them to a sense 
Of their unnatural, and their dire offence. 
He spoke by an interpreter, with care, 
And whence they came, ask'd with an angry air. 
*' VVe came from Canaan to procure some bread, 
The famine's sore — has very widely spread." 
Then he replied, *'Ye are of spies a band, 
And come to view the weakness of the land." 
They answer'd with a most submissive word, 
" To buy some food thy servants came, my lord. 
We're one man's sons, who peaceful is and wise, 
We are true men, thy servants are no spies." 
But Joseph then repeats the charge, " 'Tis true^ 
The weakness of the land you came to view." 
This led them on themselves to further clear, 
To show their lord that they were men sincere ; 
" Thy servants were twelve brethren once, said they, 
Sons of one man, the youngest is this day. 
In Canaan, with our father, who was led 
To mourning sore for one that's long been dead." 
'' Well, then, said Joseph, it shall now appear, 
If you are spies, or in your hearts sincere : 
You have a younger brother, as you say, 
Till he appears, you shall not go away ; 
To send and fetch him, I have now designed, 
Meanwhile shall ye in prison be confin'd ; 
You'll then be try'd and prov'd, or otherwise, 
Assure as Pharaoh is alive, ye're spies." 

This Joseph said, and though they took it hard, 
He put them straightway, three days under guard. 
They on the third day, at his call appear'd, 
He let them know that he his Maker fear'd ; 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 101 

Wislrd them to live ; that they must this pursue, 
" If ye be men, who faithful are, and true, 
Let one of you in prison here abide, 
Go carry corn beyond the region wide, 
Back to your father, stript of joys terrene, 
And feed your fam-Iies in the trying scene : 
But see you bring your younger brother here, 
Then 1 shall find you in your words sincere.'' 
To this the men, (their families soon to feed) 
As there was no alternative, agreed. 

Here they into a painful theme were led, 
About their brother, they supposed was dead. 
" Ourselves in guilt and sorrow we have roU'd, 
For we our brother into bondage sold ! 
When he entreated, ah ! we would not hear, 
To his distress we turn'd a deafen'd ear ; 
Though we beheld his painful bowels roll, 
And saw the inmost anguish of his soul ; 
We verily are guilty we confess, 
Therefore is sent upon us this distress.'' 
" Did I not beg you when you were so wild, 
(Said Reuben,) not to sin against the child ? 
Ye would not hear, nor grant what I desir'd, 
Therefore behold ! his blood is now requir'd." 

Joseph was present, heard their mourning sore, 
He spoke by an interpreter before. 
Now gone, while they this lamentation made. 
To Joseph here they no attention paid ; 
As far from thinking he could understand. 
As that their brother governed Egypt's land. 

These words of theirs, pierc'd Joseph's heart so deep. 
That he no longer could forbear to weep. 
That this might not be by his brethren known, 
He turn'd from them and wept awhile alone : 
Then he return'd (though doubtless trying quite) 
Took Simeon out, and bound him in their sight, 
The eldest, next to Reuben, whom he spar'd. 
Because he had so far for Joseph car'd, 
That to relieve him was his anxious will, 
When they conspir'd the harmless youth to kill. 

10 



102 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

He set the rest at liberty, that morn, 
Their sacks directed to be fill'd with corn, 
And to restore each man his money back, 
To place it in the mouth of every sack ; 
And grant provision for them on the road : 
They then proceeded for their old abode. 

As one of them took down his sack to feed. 
He found his money, was surprised indeed. 
He caird out to his brethren then around, 
Declared to them he had his money found. 
At this, great fear their guilty hearts assail'd — ■ 
A consternation wonderful prevailed ! 
And they exclaim'd to one another thus, 
" Ah ! what is this, that God hath done to us." 
Conscious of guilt, they in their terror view'd 
This as a judgment of the Lord renew'd. 

The guilty conscience feels its direful fears, 
While innocence, with open face appears 5 
Adversity ! how blunt thy arrows are, 
When they wilh poignant stings of guilt compare. 

Ere long they reach their native land and give 
Their father an alarming narrative ; 
That Egypt's lord, to their extreme surprise, 
Declar'd they were .a' band of wicked spies, 
And that their youngest brother n-ust appear, 
As proof to him, that they indeed were clear. 
That he by force did Simeon from them take, 
Until the youth should his appearance make. 

By this was Jacob sorely try'd and griev'd ; 
But when their sacks were open'd they perceiv'd, 
That each man's money there was safely laid. 
Both Jacob and his sons were all afraid, 
Lest there should some new accusation rise, 
When that was settled of their being spies. 

On this good Jacob, ready near to faint, 
Broke forth into a sorrowful complaint — 
** Ye have bereav'd me of my sons endear'd, 
Joseph and Simeon both have disappeared, 
And Benjamin I fear will be no more ; 
These are to me afflictions very sore." 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 103 

Then Reuben speaks, he labours to persuade, 
A wild proposal to his father made, 
" Let Benjamin with me in charge remain. 
And I will bring him safely back again ; 
If I should fail, I'll for no mercy pray — 
Two of my sons I'll give thee leave to slay.*' 

Of information, Jacob had no need, 
How ill would be the recompense indeed, 
If Benjamin should not again appear. 
To kill two grandsons, that to him were dear. 
This proposition gave him no relief, 
But aggravated his most painful grief. 
*• My son, said he, shall not go down with you, 
His brother's dead, he's precious in my view ; 
If mischief should befal him on the road, 
That he should not return to my abode, 
Then ye shall bring (remote from what you crave) 
My grey hairs down with sorrow to the grave." 

Thus it appears awhile with them it stood ; 
Till they exhausted nearly all their food : 
Jacob gave orders to his sons once more, 
To go for corn to Egypt as before : 
Not seeming the injunction tnen to heed, 
That they must bring their brother down indeed, 
If they meant corn of Joseph to receive, 
Or from confinement Simeon relieve. 
The sons well knew, to go it was in vain. 
Unless they could their father's leave obtain, 
For Benjamin upon them there to wait ; 
To get consent was now the puzzle great. 
Reuben in vain his eloquence had try'd. 
His father would not in his words confide; 
So Judah now his skill concludes to try, 
To animate his father to comply : 
*' If thou v/ilt now our younger brother send. 
We will arise, on thy commands attend ; 
But if thou dost from going, him restrain, 
For us to go, will prove an errand vain : 
For he who is the grand Egyptian lord, 
Gave us his solemn, and unfailing word, 



104 THE LIFE OP JOSEPH. 

That we no more his face should ever see, 
Unless our brother was in company." 

Now Jacob seem'd, to hesitation led, 
Which Judah seeing, to him further said, 
" If thou the lad wilt to my care bestow, 
We will arise and down to Egypt go ; 
Our families in this trying scene supply, 
That thou and we, and children may not die : 
I will ensure him to his tender sire, 
And thou shalt him of me alone require ; 
If I do not him safe to thee restore. 
Let me endure the blame for evermore." 

Tho' importunity and reason fail'd 
To gain consent, necessity prevailed. 
** If we no other remedy can find, 
Says Jacob to them, this is now my mind. 
Take of our fruits, the best of Canaan's land, 
And carry down a present in your hand ; 
A little honey and some balm with you, 
Some spices, myrrh, and nuts, and almonds too.'^ 

If any one should wonder in his mind, 
How they these things could in the famine find, 
Let him at once make this reflection here, 
This of the dearth was but the second year ; 
These articles not usd for common food, 
Some of the old stock might remain yet good. 

** Take double money with you," said their sire. 
" The price of corn in Egypt may be higher ; 
Likewise the money found in ev'ry sack, 
Be sure to carry with you safely back, 
And make it with the governor all right, 
For peradventure 'twas an oversight ; 
And take your brother Benjamin with you : 
Arise, the journey there again pursue, 
And God Almighty mercy give, I pray, 
(My sole assurance in the trying day,) 
That Egypt's ruler favour may extend, 
And Benjamin and Simeon to me send." 

So they went forth, all cheerful seem'd to he. 
With Benjamin to bear them company ; 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 105 

The money also found in ev'ry sack, 
They took with them to carry safely back? 
And double money corn again to buy — 
A present too, the prince to pacify : 
They recLon'd they could certainly appear, 
Before him now with confidence and cheer. 

When they to Egypt had arriv'd once more, 
They sought for Joseph, as they'd done before 5 
There he beheld his youngest brother stand, 
Then gave the steward of his house command, 
" Bring these men home, and that without delay^ 
For at my table they must dine to-day." 
This order by the steward was obey'd. 
Which much alarm'd them they were sore afraid. 
* Tvvas strange indeed, and marvellous they thougbtj 
Why they should to the ruler's house be brought : 
They apprehended they would there be bound, 
By reason of the money they had found ; 
That a demand upon them they would make, 
And them for bondmen, and their cattle take. 
That they might make their innocence appear, 
They to the steward of the house drew near, 
O sir, when first we hither came, said they, 
To purchaseWood, and had return'd away, 
" To our surprise, when we our sacks unbound, 
Our money there, in its full weight we found. 
But who return'd the money in each sack, 
We cannot tell, but we have brought it back, 
And other money we have brought to buy, 
Some sustenance, our fam'lies to supply." 

The steward was disposed the men to cheer, 
With gentle accents told them not to fear — 
^' Behold, your God and father's God, who's true^ 
Hath given treasure in your sacks to you." 
And then, as he had been by Joseph taught. 
To them their brother Simeon he brought. 
He order'd water, and they wash'd their feet. 
And gave their cattle provender to eat. 

They having knowledge of the new design, 
That they at noon should with the ruler dine ; 

10* 



106^ THE LIFE Of JOSEPH. 

The present brought, they ready made with fear, 

To be delivered when he should appear. 

And when he came, they, as their father taught. 

Presented him the articles they brought ; 

And with a reverence, that was most profoui>d, 

BowM down themselves before him to the ground*. 

He ask'd them of their welfare, and to tell, 
If their old father was alive and well f 
^* Thy servant^s father, tho' he's old and grey. 
Is favoured yet with life and health," said they. 
When this was said, they bow'd to him once more, 
And made obeisance, as they'd done before. 

Here Joseph saw, (tho' strange it might have seem'd) 
Accomplished what he first of them had dream'd, 
Wherein their sheaves, as was to him reveaPd, 
To his sheaf made obeisance in the field. 
Then on them lifting up his eyes with care, 
He saw his brother Benjamin was there : 
" Is this your younger brother here, said he, 
Of whom ye spake some time ago to me ? 
May God be gracious unto thee my son," 
With bowels most compassionate he run; 
Retiring to his chamber, with intent. 
To give his tears and tender passion ventj» 
And when his lonely, briny show'r was o'er. 
He washM his face, returned to them once more, 
Refrained from tears, and with affection fraught, 
Commanded that the dinner should be brought* 

Accordingly, provision then was made, 
In ample order, just as Joseph bade ; 
That brought for him, was by itself to be, 
To fit a princess rank and dignity. 
One table was for the Egyptians there; 
For Joseph s brethren, one was set with care ; 
And when each table was prepared complete, 
They were invited to set down and eat : 
These all were plac'd, with Reuben at the head, 
According to seigniority, 'tis said ; 
A circumstance like magic in their eyes, 
Which made them marvel, with a great surprise : 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 107 

Not knowing Joseph, into wonder fell, 
How he their ages could discern so well. 

He to his brethren good attention lent, 
And messes to them from his table sent : 
The mess for Benjamin, his mother's son, 
Was five times more than any other one. 
Well furnish'd thus, with Egypt's goodly fare, 
They ate and drank, were merry with him there. 

Now might they think the trying scene was o'er, 
That stormy winds would rise on them no more : 
They'd sunshine have ; but soon, alas ! they found, 
The blackest clouds their hoiizon surround. 
They who had not yet, with sufficient weight, 
Felt Joseph's trials, his afflictions great ; 
W^ere not yet clear of deep affliction's shore, 
Must be corrected, and be prov'd yet more ; 
To give to Joseph an unerring view, 
If they indeed to Benjamin were true. 

Joseph commands his heedful steward then^ 
To fill the sacks belonging to the men, 
As much as they could carry with them back, 
And each man's money place within his sack ; 
And put my cup, my silver cup or cann, 
Within the sack's mouth of the youngest man. 
All which was done, and at the dawn of day. 
Next morning they were calmly sent away. 

When they awhile had on their journey gone, 
Not distant from the city yet withdrawn ; 
The gov'nor gave his steward orders new, 
*' Rise up, raid he, in haste the men pursue ; 
As soon as thou shalt overtake them, say. 
Why have you me rewarded ill this day ; 
Is not this that in which my lord doth drink ? 
He surely will not at such treatment wink ; 
But what you are he certainly can see, 
You have done evil to a great degree." 
The steward thus instructed, straight pursu'd. 
He overtook them, (as they thought quite rude,) 
Charg'd them exactly as his lord had told ; 
They knowing well their innocence, were bold ; 



103 ' THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

And to the man made light of it, and said, 
*' Why shouKl my lord to say these things be led ? 
The Lord forbid thy servants so should do, 
Not one of us have had the thing in view. 
Behold, the money, with surprise and pain, 
Found in our sacks, we brought to thee again ; 
Unlikely now, that we should be so bold, 
To rob thy lord, of silver or of gold." 

In confidence that they indeed were clear, 
Proposed a search, set penalties severe ; 
** With whomsoever it be found, said they. 
He for his crime, may die without delay ; 
The rest of us, (we give our word to thee) 
To Egypt's lord, will faithful bondmen be." 
The steward them at their proposal takes, 
But ihis important mitigation makes; 
"The one with whom the cup shall now appear, 
Shall be my servant, and the rest be clear." 

Then ev^iy sack upon the ground was laid, 
And as they opened, he inspection made ; 
Quite from the eldest to the youngest round, 
And lo ! the cup in Benjamin's was found. 
This seem'd full proof, this was conviction plain^ 
And from deep sorrow they could not refrain ; 
At sight thereof they all were sore afraid, 
Amazement and cold terror now pervade. 
In token of their grief at this event. 
Each one of them in twain his garment rent ; 
And seeing now no remedy remain, 
They to the city straight relurn'd in pain. 
Joseph at home for their arrival staid ; 
They soon with terror their appearance made ; 
When, at his mansion, they had Joseph found, 
They all fell down before him on the ground. 

Kre they could any vindication make, 
To clear themselves, he to them sternly spake : 
" What deed Is this that ye have done this day, 
Me for my good, with evil to repay f 
Did you not know a person in my line, 
Could find you out, could certainly divine .^" 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 109 

Though they of this were altogether clear, 
So great was their anxiety and fear, 
They knew not what to answer or to say, 
Till Judah spoke abruptly in dismay : 
** What shall we utter to my lord, or state, 
In this distress, ourselves to vindicate ? 
The Lord, this day, thy servants sin hath vievv'd, 
How we are guilty of ingratitude : 
Lo ! we must be as servants to thee bound, 
Both we, and he with whom the cup is found." 

" Nay, God forbid, that I should so command, 
Only the man, said Joseph, in whose hand 
The cup is found, him I may not release. 
The rest may go to their abode in peace." 

This condescension, Judah boldness gave, 
To come near to him, and attention crave : 
*' Let now (I pray) thy servant, O my lord, 
Speak in thy presence a submissive word ; 
Let not thy anger at thy servant burn, 
Nor from the humble in displeasure turn ; 
Thou art to all the people round endear'd, 
As much, indeed, as Egypt's monarch fear'd. 

Then he proceeded and repeated o'er 
What pass'd, when they in Egypt were before, 
And with their father, in his grief and pain. 
When they went back to their abode again. 
In moving notes did he delineate, 
His father's sorrow and affliction great. 
For one lost son, as said, some former day, 
Was torn to pieces by the beasts of prey — • 
The wonderful affection that he bare 
To his son Benjamin, who then was there — 
That 'twas a scene of labour and of pain. 
For him to come their father's leave to gain— 
That he himself had been obliged to be 
For Benjamin's return, security : 
His father's life was in the lad so bound. 
If he should see the rest return and found, 
That Benjamin was to return no more. 
His father's anguish then would be so sore^ 



liO THE LTFE OF JOSEPH. 

In spite of all that they could do to save, 
He sure would go in sorrow to the grave. 

Thus Judah plead the governor to reach, 
With this petition he concludes his speech : 
" Now let thy servant his desire obtain. 
Let me a bondman wiih my lord remain, 
Instead of brother Benjamin, the lad, 
Let him return and make his parent glad ; 
For how shall I my father ever see. 
And Benjamin my brother not with me — 
Behold him drink the wormwood and the gall, 
And see the evil that shall on him fall.-' 

So sensibly did Judah's moving speech. 
The heart of deeply feeling Joseph reach ; 
And finding he could not himself contain — 
No longer from his brethren could refrain : 
He order gave, that each Egyptian there, 
Should from his presence instantly repair. 

As soon as from him had withdrawn the crowd, 
His long pent heart burst into weeping loud I 
It was a scene of wonderful surprise — 
" I'm Joseph — doth my father live ?" he cries. 

The name of Joseph in that doleful hour — 
Their sense of guilt — to take revenge his power, 
Were like an awful thunder-bolt to wound — 
Struck them to silence, gloomy and profound, 
Which he observing, was induc'd to say. 
In depth of feeling, " Come to me, I pray." 
They drawing near, he said to them, behold ! 
" I am your brother ye to Egypt sold !" 

These words, though spoken with a mildness great. 
Must every heart most deeply penetrate, 
Where, either guilt would let in doleful fear, 
Or true repentance, sorrow that's sincere. 
He seeing their extremity of grief, 
W^as pleasM to add, to grant them quick relief, 
*' However let not your affliction stand, 
Because you sold me to a distant land : 
The Lord, who rules with power omnipotent, 
Men's lives to save, hath me before you sent ; 



TtiE LIFE OF JOSEPH. Ill 

For these two years the famine hath been sore, 
Which in duration will be five years more 
When there shall be (as well I understand) 
No ears to grow, nor harvest in the land. 
The Lord hath sent me hither, by his grace, 
To save your lives, and to preserve your race ; 
The Lord prepar'd the path that 1 have trod — 
It was not you that sent me here, but God." 

Tlius this good man, endu'd with love intense, 
By mitigation, eas'd their great offence ; 
His views beyond the instruments arose, 
To Him who can all things for good dispose. 
We may, if we the subject rightly view, 
With ease discern his sentiment was true ; 
It was not they indeed, that sent him there, 
It was the Lord, in providential care : 
They sold him to an Ishmaelitij^^h band, 
Who might have sent him to a foreign land ; 
And they car'd not where he was sent, it seems, 
Could they be rid of him, and all his dreams. 
The Lord, indeed, convey'd him to that place, 
By various steps of his propitious grace — 
Through trying scenes, and in his time and hour, 
Kais'd him to honour — to renown and power, 
That he might be an instrument of good, 
In that important work of saving food, 
The fam'ly of the faithful ones to save. 
And many more, from an untimely grave. 

^* Therefore (said Joseph) I am thus array'd, 
He hath a father me to Pharaoh made — 
I have, as lord of all his house, command- 
Am ruler over the Egyptian land. 
Haste you in peaceful cheerfulness away, 
Go up to Canaan, to my father say. 
Thus saith thy Joseph, thy dear long lost son, 
The Lord for me things marvellous hath done? 
He's made me of all Egypt's land, the lord, 
Come down to me, my father, is the word ; 
Sure Goshen's land is set apart for thee, 
Thou shalt reside contiguous to me : 



112 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

Yes, there shalt thou and all thy race remain, 
There I will thee, and all that's thine sustain : 
Five years will pass, before the dearth will cease ; 
Here thou and household may be fed in peace." 

And that no doubt at all with you may rise, 
That I am Joseph, (wondrous in your eyes) 
As proof thereof, you may good notice take, 
Ere now by an interpreter I spake ; 
" But now behold ! your eyes may clearly view, 
That 'tis my mouth that speaketh unto you. 
Ye shall return and my dear father cheer, 
Shall let him know of ?»11 my glory here ; 
Of all you've seen, and all ye understand ; 
Make haste and bring him down to Egypt's land.^' 

When he had thus reviv'd his brethren well, 
Upon his youngest brother's ruck he fell, 
And there he wept, in love sublime and deep, 
And Benjamin did on his brother weep. 
And after this, to them of fear divest. 
An amnesty he granted to the rest ; 
He kiss'd them all, his pardon then to prove^ 
And wept upon them in endearing love ; 
By which kind carriage, all encourag'd, they 
Convers'd with him familiarly that day. 

The news of Joseph's brethren being there, 
They soon to the Egyptian king declare : 
Thispleas'd the monarch, and the courtiers well. 
They bid them welcome in the land to dwell. 
The king for Joseph calPd without delay, 
And told him he must to his brethren say, 
" Take wagons ; lade your beasts and go the road, 
That leads to Canaan — to your old abode : 
When you arrive, your aged parent tell, 
That he must in the land of Egypt dwell ; 
And bring him with your wives and children dear, 
There's houses and provisions for you here ; 
Mind not your stuff, but my advice pursue, 
The good of Egypt open is for you." 

With Joseph's view, thus Pharaoh coincide?, 
The wagons and provisions he provides. 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 113 

To aid his father he was so intent, 

A noble present of good things he sent. 

Kind Joseph then, to give his brethren cheer — 

A confirmation of his love sincere, 

With a new suit presented every one ; 

But to distinguish his own mother's son, 

Young Benjamin, he gave him with delight, 

Of silver coin, three hundred pieces bright ; 

Five suits of clothes likewise on him bestovv'd ; 

So his affection for his brother glow'd. 

And lest they should upon the way contend, 

Which had, or had not, been his foe or friend, 

His parting caution was to them, that they 

Should not fall out, or quarrel on the way. 

All things prepared, according to his view ; 
They were dismiss'd, the journey to pursue : 
Appearing now more like a stately train. 
They came to Canaan, to their sire again. 
When they had their long- mourning father told, 
^' Thy lost son Joseph is alive, behold I 
He's ruler over the Egyptian land ! — 
O'er Pharaoh's kingdom Joseph has command!" 

The sudden news was like a poignant dart, 
To penetrate his long afflicted heart : 
Amidst extremes of pleasing hope and fear, 
He sunk to languor — was to dying near. 
His deep affection would sincerely lead, 
To earnest hope, that it was truth indeed ; 
But yet his judgment would not quickly view; 
Let him believe it was, or could be true ; 
Their declaration was, indeed, in vain. 
Till he had view'd the wagons in a train, 
That Joseph sent to take them all away, • 
And them forthwith to Egypt to convey. 

On this did Jacob's languid heart revive, 
'* It is enough — my son is yet alive ; 
No more of his new dignity relate. 
His povver, his riches, honours in the state ; 
He is alive, and that's enough, 1 cry — 
I'll go with joy, and see him, ere I die." 

11 



114 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

Then Israel journey'd, and without delay, 
With all he had, arriv'd at Beersheba, 
Where God (whom Jacob's predecessors fear'd) 
Had to his father Isaac once appear'd. 
And there he worshippM ; there he sacrific'd 
Unto the God his father Isaac prizM. 
Herein, no doubt, he thank'd the Lord, who sav'd 
His son, who had in Egypt been enslav'd ; 
And thank'd him for his other sons restored ; 
He doubtless supplicated and implor'd, 
That he'd continue his protection true ; 
Be with him in the journey he'd in view. 

Here Israel's God, this patriarch's delight, 
Appear'd to him in visions of the night ; 
Call'd *' Jacob, Jacob" ! *' 1 am here," said he 
"1 am, said God, thy father's Deity : 
To go to Egypt, do not hesitate, 
For there I'll make of thee a nation great, 
I'll go with thee, and will with thee remain, 
And bring thee to the promis'd land again." 
That is, thy lifeless body to be laid. 
And offspring to abide — be not afraid ; 
" Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes ;" 
Thy son shall close thy eye-lids, when thou dies. 

Thus Jacob strengthen'd, and with grace endu'd. 
His journey he with greater joy pursu'd. 
He took with him his daughter and his sons, 
Likewise their wives, and all their little ones. 
The patriarch, with his whole offspring then, 
They calculate to be threescore and ten. 
They took their goods, and cattle they possess'd. 
To seek for plenty, and a place of rest. 

When Jaeob, near to Egypt's border drew. 
He Judah sent to Joseph with a view. 
To let him know that they were near the place ; 
For Goshen then directly set his face ; 
And after years of sorrow, mourning, smart, 
He there arriv'd, with an exulting heart. 

When Joseph had been duly notified. 
His chariot was prepar'd for him to ride ; 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH, 115 

With pleasure to the land of Goshen went, 
Himself before his father to present. 
They met with joy, the pen can faintly tell. 
And there upon each other's neck they fell ; 
Forgetting all their sorrows, and their pains, 
They bath'd in tears, and wept in joyful strains ; 
Then breaking forth in animation high. 
Let me (said the enraptur'd parent) die. 
Since thou art living, and by heavenly grace, 
I'm crown'd with favour, to behold thy face ! 

When these endearments were in measure o'er, 
The tears had flow'd, till they would flow no more. 
Joseph propos'd that he would forthwith go, 
And of their coming let the monarch know. 
Accordingly, he to the palace went. 
Five brethren did before the king present ; 
Told him his father, late from Canaan's land, 
Arriv'd in Goshen, and had made a stand ; 
His children and their flocks and herds had brought. 
And in that land the king's protection sought. 

The king received them with attention free. 
And ask'd what might their occupation be ? 
They answ^er'd him, " Thy servants shepherds are, 
Keepers of cattle — so our fathers were 5 
In Egypt we to dwell awhile desire, 
Because the famine is in Canaan dire. 
Now therefore let, we humbly to thee pray. 
Thy servants in the land of Goshen stay." 
The monarch seem'd with sympathy impress*d, 
Most readily he granted their request. 

The way thus opened, soon did Joseph bring, 
His father, in the presence of the king : 
He bless'd the monarch, says the sacred page ; 
The king then ask'd the patriarch his age. 
His answer to the monarch thus appears, 
" I've liv'd one hundred and quite thirty years ; 
I have not yet, of years tlie number gain'd. 
My fathers in their pilgrimage attain'd.^* 
A little time he thus with Pharoah spent, 
And then he from the royal presence went. 



llg THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

Thus Jacob found, with Egypt's monarch, grace^ 
And Joseph did his aged father place, 
And brethren too, in fertile jGroshen's land, 
According to the kin^c's benign command. 
And Joseph freely nourished them with bread— 
His father, brethren, and their fam'lies fed. 
With that same care and perfect tenderness^ 
As if they'd been his children in distress. 
Thus Jacob liv'd in Egypt, it appears, 
In life's declension, quiety seventeen years; 
From bitter scenes, in his last days released, 
His offspring there exceedingly increased. 

Years roH'd away, ai length the time drew nigh. 
When Jacob, the good patriarch, must die ; 
To call his lov'd son Joseph, he was led ; 
W hen he arriv'd his father to him said, 
" If I, my son, have favour found with thee, 
I pray that thou would'st kindly deal with me ; 
Lay not my bones in Egypt's land, I pray, 
A promise make, that thou wilt me convey 
To Canaan's land, the dwelling of our race, 
And lay me in my father's burying place." 

Good Joseph then a solenm promise made, 
That his command should duly be obey'd. 
W hen Israel thus had gotten Joseph's word, 
He bovv'd himself in rev'rence to the Lord, 
That after all his mercies great and true. 
He'd favour'd him with an assurance new, 
By Joseph's promise, to him firmly made. 
That he should in the promised land be laid. 

Awhile from this, word came to Joseph quick, 
To let him know his father then was sick. 
He and his sons forthwith attention paid, 
A visit to his feeble father made. 
When Jacob found his son was come, 'tis said, 
That he reviv'd, and sat up in the bed. 
Jacob to Joseph then related o'er 
The promise made unto him longbeibre : 
*' The Lord at Luz, in Canaan, once appear'd, 
And lo ! he blest me, for 1 him rev^r'd. 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 117 

And to me said, behold, most surely, I 
Will make thee fruitful, thee will multiply : 
I'll make of thee a multitude indeed. 
And this good land bestow upon thy seed, 
That shall spring up, and flourish after thee j 
An everlasting heritage to be.'* 

VV hen Joseph had been there awhile, we find. 
The patriarch whose eyes were almost blind, 
Discerned some lads between the gov'nor's knees, 
U hen Jacob query d of him, " Who are these ? 
*' They're my two sons, the Lord hath by his grace, 
Bestow'd on me, said Joseph, in this place." 
" Bring them to me, that from the choicest store, 
I blessings may, said Jacob, on them pour." 
Jo-eph, attentive to his father dear, 
He bow'd his head, and set the children near. 
Then Jacob kiss'd and press'd them in his arms, 
And said to Joseph (almost fill'd with charms,) 
** I had not thought to see thy face, indeed, 
And lo ! the Lord hath shown to me thy seed." 

One thing is worth an observation here. 
When Joseph brought them to his father near, 
He Ephraim took in his right hand, 'tis said. 
And him toward his fathers left had led ; 
And took Manassah (as his prudence plann'd) 
And plac'd him by his aged sire's right hand. 
Israel, to stretch his right hand out. was sway'd, 
Which on the youngest, Ephraim's head he laid; 
His left hand to Manassah's head apply'd. 
And both his hands did wittingly thus guide. 
He Joseph blest, in ardour sweet that glow'd, 
And blest the children in the stream that flovv'd : 
*' The God whom my forefathers long ador'd, 
To whom they cried for ev'ry blessing pour'd ; 
The God that me throughout my life hath fed, 
The messenger that me from evil led; 
May he be pleased to bless the lads indeed. 
And shower his gracious blessings on their seed : 
Upon these children let my name be nam'd. 
And name of Abra'm and of Isaac fam'd ; 

11* 



118 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

Let them increase, and be a mighty band, 
A multitude ofpeopie in the land.' 

Wh n J(»se|jh saw his father thus was swayM, 
That he his right hand on the youngest laid ; 
Which carri'd pref 'rence, and the chief regard, 
And as he view'd it, nature's order marr'd ; 
This Joseph thought, must by his father be 
Done through mistake, or inadvertency. 
Of Jacob's right hand Joseph then took hold, 
To lay it on Manassah's bead, we're told ; 
" My father, this is my first-born, he said, 
Therefore put thy right hand upon his head." 

But Jacob, when his hands on them he laid, 
Was not by judgment nor affection sway'd ; 
The hands of this great patriarch benign, 
Were guided by Authority Divine. 
Be could not yield to Joseph's prudent view ; 
" 1 know, my son, said he, that this is true : 
From thy first-born will rise a people great, 
But they will not the younger emulate ; 
For lo ! there shall, in after days, be view'd 
Of Eihraim's seed, a mighty multitude." 
Then adding to his former blessing, stress, 
" In thee, shall they who are of Israel bless., 
And say, may he, who did the worM create, 
Make thee as Ephraim, and Manassah great." 

Then growing weaker, found his end was nigh, 
" Behold, said he, to his lov'd son, I die; 
The Lord of life shall with my seed remain. 
And bring you to your father's land again." 
Then found, apace, was coming on his end, 
Sf nt for his sons upon him to attend, 
W hjle he had strength to bid them all farewell,^ 
To pour on them his blessings, and foretell 
What should befall them, in this vale of tears, 
And progeny, in distant after years. 
" Gather yourselves together now, said he, 
Ye sons of Jacob, hearken unto me." 
They all attentive, he proceeds, to each 
Of them, distinctly makes his final speech. 



THE LrPE OF JOSEPli. 119 

When Israel thus had spoken to each son, 
And in deep love, had bless'd them ev'ry one ; 
Not as his own affection would incline, 
But as induc'd by openings divine, 
Once more he notifi'd his children dear, 
That his long-look'd for death was very near : 
To bury him, he gave them a command. 
Beside his father's bones, in Canaan's land ; 
Then found from his decayed frame release. 
His humble spirit yielded up in peace. 

But pious Joseph's deeply feeling heart, 
Could scarcely from his tender parent part ; 
He fell upon his father's face, 'tis said, 
And sorely wept, and kiss'd him on the bed. 
By which he gave his tender passion vent, 
Then to his servants the physicians sent ; 
They then were to embalm the body bid, 
Which in obedience to his word, they did. 
And lo ! they had a solemn mourning then, 
They mourn'd for Jacob threescore days and tens 

Then Joseph, his fond father to obey. 
Went up, his bones in Canaan's tomb to la^. 
To honour Jospph, and the funeral too. 
There went of Pharaoh's servants, not a few ; 
The elders of the royal fam'ly grand. 
And all the ruling elders of the latid ; 
Chariots and horsemen this great funeral grace, 
Theyjoin'd with Joseph, and his father's race. 
Thus they went on, at length they made a stand, 
At Atad's threshing floor, in Canaan's land ; 
And Joseph a most solemn mourning made, 
The mourners there seven days together staid ; 
Their mourning was so very sore and great, 
The Canaanites, the people of that state, 
Said, (at a scene unknown to them before) 
*' This to th' Egyptians is a mourning sore." 

V\ hen this was clos'd they with a solemn pace. 
Proceeded to the ancient burying place ; 
There, in the cave that long before was made> 
Good Joseph saw his father's body laid. 



120 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 

His word perform'd, he, with the gen'rous train, 
Forthwith retura'd to Egypt's land again. 

While Jacob liv d. his guilty sons might be, 
As they consider'd, all from danger free ; 
But having lost their potent advocate, 
Their guilt revivM, their fears were very great : 
Thought Joseph now, would punish ev'ry one, 
For all the evil, they to hira had done, 
After consulting, they to Joseph frame 
A message, in their worthy father's name ; 
Whose mem'ry liv'd, (as very well they knew) 
And much was reverenc'd in the governor's view j 
That they their potent brother might appease, 
A messenger they sent, with words like these : 
" Thy father gave us a command to say, 
To Josepn. please to pardon, now, I pray, 
The trespass of thy brethren and their sin, 
Although they err'd exceedingly therein." 
And having thus to Joseph smooth d the way, 
Said, now to thee we most sincerely pray, 
Forgive the trespass, lay not now the rod, 
Upon the servants of thy father's God." 

Here we discern with what peculiar art. 
They the most moving arguments impart ; 
His parent's wish, his long-lov'd dying friend, 
That he to pardon them would condescend, 
Not only in relation, as they stood 
To him as brethren, his own flesh and blood ; 
But also servants, such as truly fear'd, 
Tbe God both Jacob, and that he rever'd. 
This humble message struck the good man deep, 
That he indeed, could not forbear to weep. 

On this petition to procure his grace, 
They came themselves and fell before his face ; 
Their hearts almost with fear and anguish bled ; 
*' Behold, we are thy servants," now, they said. 

His heart sick brethren he was pleas'd to cheer, 
In words consoling, told them not to fear. 
*' Do I," said he, " stand in the place of God ; 
To punish you with the avenging rod 't 



THE LIFE OF JOSEPH. 121 

1 know indeed that ye gross evil thought, 

But God meant good, which he in mercy brought j 

He rais'd me up an instrument to save 

A multitude from an untimely grave. 

Now therefore fear not any hurt from me, 

For I so far from injuring you will be, 

I'll nourish you, in every scene of need, 

Both you and all your little ones will feed." 

Good Jacob's death is thought to be, we're tol(I, 
When Joseph was just fifty-six years old 5 
And after that, it by the text appears. 
He liv'd in Egypt four and- fifty years. 

When Joseph found his death was drawing near^ 
He calPd his brethren, and his kinsmen dear, 
And said to them, ''My days to come are few j 
The Lord your God will surely visit you, 
He will perform what long ago he plann'd, 
Will guide you safely to the promis'd land. 
Confirmed to those who now are in the grave, 
That he to Abra'm and his offspring gave " 
He then most solemnly confirm'd the thing. 
That God would surely them from Egypt bring. 
And then he gave them his farewell command, 
To take his bones with them to Canaan's land. 
He died in peace, as says the sacred page. 
When just one hundred and ten years of age. 
To this great man was due attention paid, 
He was embalm'd and in a coffin laid. 

Thus, he who would to no temptation yield. 
Who gainM the conquest in probation's field — 
He who was into gloomy bondage sold, 
And was rewarded e'en a hundred fold — 
He who was patient, humble, meek and wise, 
Obtain'd the great, and the immortal prize : 
His spirit that from youth for heaven glow'd, 
Rose as with wings to its long sought abode ; 
The region where no wicked ones annoy — 
The glorious kingdom of eternal joy. 



122 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 



Still, in the tomb awhile had Joseph lain, 
When a new king in Egypt rose, to reign ; 
Another Pharaoh sat upon the throne, 
Who had not Joseph's person ever known. 
A fleeting age had roll'd away, or more, 
Since the Egyptian famine great and sore ; 
And Joseph's kindness, and his worthy name 
Was now forgotten, to their lasting shame : 
When his good deeds to Egypt's king and crown, 
Ought to have had perpetual renown. 

This monarch view'd, and lo ! it broke his peace, 
The Israelites' most wonderful increase ; 
They prosper'd and they multiply'd indeed, 
That Goshen soon was fill'd with Jacob's seed. 
The king held it expedient, to secure 
Himself from harm, and wealth, and fame procure ; 
He by self-interest and delusion led, 
Conven'd the elders of the land, and said, 
" The Israelites are now become, we see. 
In number more, and mightier than we ; 
Let us therefore, with them be very wise. 
Lest they grow potent — over Egypt rise ; 
Or in some war, join an invading foe, 
To conquer us, and from the kingdom go. 
Whereby this land would lose a certain gain, 
That we might from so many slaves obtain." 

The people to the royal speech took heed, 
And jointly with their cautious king agreed. 
The Israelites to labour hard, did bring, 
In making brick, and building for the king. 
Tbeir scheme was this, the Israelites to keep 
To labour hard, and profits from them reap, 
By slavery unlimited disgrace. 
To bring to abject indigence their race ; 
Their bodies weaken by the labour sore, 
Their minds debase by stings unknown before. 



THE ISRAELITES* DELITERANCE. 123 

In policy, more cruel than the tomb, 
They set task masters to complete their doom ; 
To oversee, and grievous burdens lay, 
And make them serve with rigour, day by day ; 
So that their lives were very bitter njade, 
By grievous tasks, their tyrant masters laid. 
To cruel bondage they were forc'd to yield, 
In mortar, brick, and service of the field. 

But as indeed the camomile we know, 
When trod upon> more vigorous will grow; 
The noble palm-tree, we so much admire, 
With weights encumber'd,spreads and shoots the higher; 
The church of Christ is known to flourish best, 
When by its cruel enemies oppress'd : 
So we this long-afflicted people view, 
The more oppress'd, the mightier they grew. 

Thus Pharaoh was to deep vexation led ; 
He verifi'd what once a poet said : 
*' The envious man frets till himself grows lean, 
Because his neighbour's fortune is serene." 
It much disturb'd the king of Egypt's peace, 
When he beheld the I^aelites increase ; 
In spite of all the heavy burdens laid. 
To see them grow made Egypt's men afraid. 

The monarch's fears increasing to distress— 
Their mighty growth completely to suppress. 
He issu'd orders, in distraction new, 
That every son that should be born a Jew, 
Should in the river find a watVy grave. 
But every daughter they alive should save. 

But when the monarch came to understand. 
The midwives had not heeded his command ; 
That they had not these infant children kill'd. 
He was with bitter indignation fiU'd. 
Resolv'd a more efl*ectual course to take, 
To all the people in his kingdom spake — 
And issu'd out an edict most forlorn, 
That every son, unto the Hebrews born. 
They should forthwith into the river throw ; 
But every daughter should escape the wo. 



124 THE ISRAELITES* DELIVERANCE. 

This edict issu'd, so as not to fail, 
Made for the drowning every Hebrew male, 
Producd a sorrow, and a mourning sore, 
Such as in Goshen was unknown before ; 
All schemes the anxious parents could contrive, 
Were form'd to save the innocents alive. 

Awhile before this cruel law was made, 
Amram attention to a virgin paid ; 
And to obtain domestic joys in life, 
He made her in affliction's days his wife. 
They had a daughter, who was Miriam nam'd, 
In four years more was born the Aaron fam'd : 
The next a son call'd Moses, it appears, 
When Aaron's age was just about three years. 
This little son, the last the woman bare, 
Not only was so goodly, and so fair ; 
But something supernatural, and divine, 
Appear 'd upon his countenance to shine; 
W^hich made his mother more for him regard, 
And labour for his preservation hard. 
She kept her babe three months conceal'd, that so 
The Egyptians might not his existence know ; 
And finding by contrivances apply'd, 
She could no longer her dear infant hide ; 
And apprehending he might soon be found, 
By Pharoahs executioners, and drown'd : 
She, dcmbtless, led by an instinct divine, 
Conducted not as nature would incline. 
A little ark she of bulrushes made, 
Which she with pitch to keep out water paid ; 
And when the boat was by the woman done, 
She laid therein her little darling son. 
And plac'd it by the bor-der of the Nile, 
And set his sister Mir'iam there awhile, 
A distance off, (then seven years old was she) 
What would become of this fair babe to see. 

'Twas order'd soon by Providence divine, 
Who works great wonders in his love benign, 
That Pharaoh's daughter, they Thermuthis name, 
Down to the river with her maidens came : 



THE Israelites' deliverance* 125 

As she was walking by the river's side, 
Behold ! the little floating ark she spy'd ; 
To fetch the same, she forthwith sent a maid. 
The ark was brought, and near the princess laid : 
Which, when she had to her surprise, unbound, 
She there a lovely weeping infant found. 
This unexpected innocent to view. 
Compassion from the feeling princess drew 
Made her exclaim in sympathy sincere, 
"This is one of the Hebrews' children dear." 

Attentive Miriam, though she then was young> 
Soon drawing near, she cast herself among 
This company, and found the princess mild ; 
The infant took to be a Hebrew child ; 
" Shall I go forth, and call in haste, said she, 
A Hebrew nurse, to keep the child for thee ?'' 
" Go," said the princess — Miriam thus taught, 
Ran, and her own, and the child's mother brought. 
Then said the princess, " One request 1 make. 
That thou this child to nurse for me would take, 
For thy reward I'll give thee wages fair. 
As sure as thou performs the charge with care.'' 

To this the infant's mother soon agreed ; 
The bargain was a welcome one indeed. 
She took it home and with rejoicing true, 
Durst nurse it now, expos'd to open view. 
And when the child was old enough, 'twas brought 
To Pharaoh's house, to dwell, and to be taught. 
This lad the princess' deep affection won, 
And she adopted him to be her son. 
And in a serious, retrospective view, 
That she the infant from the river drew, 
To call him Moses, open'd in her mind. 
The word is thus, " I drew him out" defin'd — 
Thus unawares predicting, (it is said) 
Israel should be by him from Egypt led. 

Thus Moses into Pharaoh's court was brought, 
And in their learned sciences was taught ; 
Both civil and the military line. 
All that could make him in that kingdom shine. 

12 



126 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE, 

In aftertime, this might good Stephen lead, 
To call him mighty, both in word and deed. 
And in some ancient histories, 'tis said, 
That he as gen'ral, Pharaoh's forces led 
Forth in the field, and gained a victory grand, 
O'er a great army, from a distant land. 
And other mighty deeds of him we find. 
Ere he with the afflicted Hebrews Join'd. 

But when grown potent, and, as it appear?,, 
Arriv'dunto the age of forty years, 
An inclination sympathetic grew, 
To go, and his afflicted brethren view. 
So by a deep, unfeign'd affection sway'd, 
He went, and their calamities survey'd. 
The sight of this must almost him amaze, 
A deep compassion for their misery raise, 
And indignation in his heart create, 
To the Egyptians, their oppressors great. 

He there beheld (and could not bear the sight) 
A hard Egyptian, a poor Hebrew smite ; 
To that degree his indignation grew, 
He the oppressing, vile Egyptian slew. 
He thought his brethren would have understood, 
The Lord Almighty, who is kind and good, 
Would raise him up, an agent in his hand, 
To lead his people to the promis'd land. 
Such was his prospect, and this doubtless drew 
Him then to go, and their afflictions view. 

The next day Moses was inclined once more, 
To view their burdens, that indeed were sore : 
And finding tvyo, who both were Hebrew men, 
Each with the other in contention then ; 
That they were brethren, he put them in mind, 
Who ought to be to one another kind, 
And said t!b him who was abusive quite, 
Wherefore dost thou thy peaceful brother smite f 
The one that wrong'd his fellow with a sneer. 
Said, "Who made thee prince, judge, or overseer? 
Is it thy vile intention me to slay, 
Jast as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday* f'^ 



THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE* 121 

This startled Moses, for thereby he saw, 
'Twas known that he had broken Egypt's law. 
If this was not conceaPd from Pharaoh's view, 
To Egypt doubtless he must bid adieu. 
Nor were his fears of Pharaoh's vengeance vain. 
Who soon got news, and sought to have him slain. 

No longer safe, from Egypt Moses fled. 
He was toward the land of Midian led. 
While on his travel, in fatigue, it fell, 
To rest himself, he sat down by a well ; 
Seven daughters of the priest of Midian came, 
They Jethro call, or sometimes Reuel name ; 
They came theix father s flock to water there, 
Of which they had (tho' maids of rank) the care. 
Some rustic shepherds, who presumed to sway, 
With great importance crowded them away. 
This Moses view'd ; his duty seem'd to press. 
To grant relief to persons in distress. 
He could not brook the rustic's rude'offence. 
But stood most bravely in the maids' defence ; 
In friendship free as the nocturnal dew, 
He water for the shepherdesses drew. 

By the assistance of this man of pow*ir, 
The maids return 'd at an unlook'd for hour ; 
Their father was, with wonder, led to say, 
" How happen'd ye to come so soon to-day .?" 
They answered him, *' A man from Egypt's land, 
Reliev'd us fairly from the shepherds' hand ; 
He stood our friend, unshaken as a rock, 
And water drew for all our thirsty flock." 

His daughters he with some displeasure view'd, 
And reprehended their ingratitude ; 
*^ Why have ye left the man behind, said he ! 
Invite him home, to be refreshed with me." 
So they sent. off*, with expeditious care. 
Brought Moses in, and entertained him there. 

This friendly conduct, so sincere and kind, 
Led Moses to communicate his mind ; 
His proposition was, to stay, and keep, 
As a good shepherd, Jethro's flock of sheep. 



428 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANeE. 

To this proposal, soon he had consent, 
And dwelt witii Jethro, in a state content. 
And after he had there awhile abode, 
The priest on him a shepherdess bestow'd. 

So Moses now was better pleas'd in life, 
He had two sons by Zipporah, his wife ; 
To name the first-born Gershom, he was led, 
Which signifies a stranger there, His said. 
" For I," said he, " escapM from Pharaoh's hand, 
" Have been a stranger in a distant land." 
He Eliezer nam'd the last — designed. 
Because the word, " The Lord's my help," defin'd f 
" My father's God, my gracious help, said he. 
From Pharaoh's hand, and sword deliver'd me.'' 

While Moses did with Jethro thus abide, 
In Midian's land, the king of Egypt died ; 
The Israelites' oppressor was remov'dy 
But his successor such another prov'd ; 
When one corrupt, inhuman king had ceas'd, 
There rose another, and their woes increas'd. 
The Israelites, beneath the doleful weight 
Of pond'rous burdens, and oppressions great, 
Were forc'd to heave the deeply wailing sigh ; 
They after sighing rais'd a bitter cry : 
And after crying they began to groan. 
With a most grievous and heart-rending moan. 
They sigh'd by reason of hard Pharaohs rod ; 
They cry'd, and lo ! their cry came up to God ! 
By reason of their bondage, deep and great : 
God heard the groanings of their mournful state ; 
His gracious cov'nant then was brought to view, 
With Abra'm, Isaac, and with Jacob too. 
The Lord look'd down, with a propitious eye, 
And paid attention to their doleful cry ; 
And now approach'd the long predicted hour, 
Of their deliv'rance from Egyptian pow'r: 
The Lord, in his stupendous love and care, 
Began his servant Moses to prepare. 
His greatly injur'd people to command, 
And be their leader to the promis'd land. 



THE Israelites' deliverance. 129 

'Twas Moses' business, at this time to keep, 
As he agreed, his father Jethro's sheep ; 
The flock, attentive to the way he trod, 
He led to Horeb, call'd the mount of God. 
A mighty One then down from heaven came, 
Appear'd to Moses in a burning flame, 
Out of a bush, that on the mountain grew, 
An awful and alarming sight to view ! 
The burning bush led Moses to admire, 
'Twas not consumed, tho' in a flame of fire ! 

This was a lively emblem of the state 
Of Israel, under the Egyptian weight ; 
Who, though the fire of trials, great and sore> 
Among them burnt, unknown on earth before — 
Pharaoh's oppression made them groan and cry. 
Yet they indeed, were not consum'd thereby. 

This si2;ht so rare and wonderful to view, 
The deep attention of the shepherd drew ; 
And made him say within himself, we're told, 
I'll turn aside, and this great sight behold ! 
The bushf though burning, in a fiery flame, 
Is not consum'd, but still remains the same ! 

The scene indeed was marvellous and new : 
And when God saw him turn aside to view, 
Ke twice vouchsaf'd to call the shepherd's name, 
Cry'd, " Moses, Moses !" from the burning flame. 
When Moses heard, with his attentive ear. 
The awful voice, he answer'd, *' 1 am here." 

The Lord to strike him with a deeper sense, 
Of the dread presence of Omnipotence — 
Of Him who is the majesty divine ; 
And with the deepest reverence incline 
The ear of Moses, his pure word to hear, 
Stop'dhim from moving, or approaching near 4) 
^' Draw not nigh hither, to this awful seat ; 
Put offthy shoes, that are upon thy feet — 
To view this sight, advance not o'er thy bound, 
The place whereon thou stands is holy ground !•' 
(The holy presence made it pure ; when gone, 
The holiness was also quite withdrawn.) 

12* 



130 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE, 

Now Moses was to deep attention led, 
And heard distinctly what Jehovah said : 
" I am the God, Abra'm and Isaac fear'd : 
That Jacob, and thy father too, rever'd." 

When Moses saw the burning bush to shine, 
And heard the voice of Hira who is divine ; 
Pie from a rev'rence, awful and profound, 
Of Him who is the King of nations crown'd, 
Conceal'd his face, for sore afraid was he, 
To look upon the heav'nly majesty. 

The Lord then said, *' Lo ! I have surely seen 
My people, who in Egypt long have been ; 
I've heard their mournings, and their bitter sighs^ 
Seen their afflictions, and have heard their cries ; 
And to relieve them from their vvoful state, 
I am come down to them in pity great !" 

The mode of speaking he made use of then^ 
Was imitative of the terms of men ; 
That we may understand the King who reigns, 
To stoop to man's capacity he deigns. 
*' I am come down, said Zion's heav'nly king. 
My people from Egyptian pow'r to bring ; 
To lead them out from under Pharaoh's hand. 
Unto a fertile and delightful land ; 
A region for then^ long ago I chose ; 
A country that vt^th milk and honey flows : 
Now therefore since my people Israel's cry, 
In bondage sore has come to me on high ; 
I've heard and seen how deeply they're distressed, 
The great oppression, wherewith they're oppress'd f 
Come now, and I will thee to Pharaoh send, 
To call on him, an ear to me to lend ; 
And that thou may'st my people Israel bring, 
Out from the bondage of the Egyptian king.'' 

This awful, cogent, unexpected word — 
Decree of Him, the everlasting Lord, 
Much startled Moses ; though his heart was good, 
He knew how things with him in Egypt stood ; 
Why he from the Egyptian court had ided ; 
Might not have heard the former king was dead— 



THE Israelites' deliverance. 131 

The angry king who sought his life to take, 
That he began excuses here to make. 
First from his meanness, insufficiency ; 
" Ah ! who am I, that i should go, said he, 
To Pharaoh ! and that I should Israel bring, 
Out from the bondage of th' Egyptian king ?"^ 

The Lord remov'd his first excuse, or plea, 
By saying, *' 1 will surely be with thee." 
And let this wondrous and miraculous sight, 
That I have sent thee, now convince thee quite, 
" When thou hast brought the people Israel here, 
Ye in this mountain shall the Lord revere." 

But Moses said, " Behold if 1 obey. 
And come to Israel, and to them shall say. 
The Lord who was to your forefathers true. 
Your fathers God bath sent me unto you. 
And they shall ask, what is his name, we pray ? 
What shall I to them, as an answer, say, r" 

I'M THAT 1 AM," reply'd the gracious Lord : 
And this indeed shall be to them the word. 
And thou shalt also tell the people true, 
Behold, I AM, hath sent me unto you. 
Moreover thou (continued he) shall tell 
My people, wlio in cruel bondage dwell, 
By Israel's elders, whom thou shall convene ; 
To them relate the wonders thou hast seen ; 
The Lord, the God, your fathers long rever'd, 
The God that Abra'm, and that Isaac fear'd, 
With Jacob's God I've had an interview, 
And lo ! he now hath sent me unto you. 
To let you know that I have seen most sure, 
The great and sore afflictions you endure ; 
And 1 have said, with my Alniighty hand, 
I'll bring you safely to the prornis'd land. 
And thou shalt come (with thee the elders bring) 
And say to Fharaoh the Egyptian king. 
The Hebrews' God hath met with us, and lo ! 
He hath indeed, commanded us to go 
To worship him ; now we beseech of thee, 
To listen to the mighty God's decree ; 



i:: 



132 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

And let us go, according to his word, 
That we may sacrifice unto the Lord, 
And surely he'll not let you quit his land, 
Nor me regard, but by a mighty hand ; 
Then I'll o'er Egypt stretch my hand, in might, 
And them with deep and sore afflictions smite ; 
And after I my plagues, and wonders show, 
The king will let you forth from Egypt go." 

Enough was said, one would indeed have thought, 
That well considers who it was that taught, 
All Moses' scruples to have quite remov'd ; 
Yet he objected, he still backward prov'd. 
"Behold !" said he, " They will not me receive, 
Nor hearken to me, nor my word believe ; 
They'll say the Lord had not appeared to me, 
How shall 1 prove that I am sent of thee ? 

In condescension here the Lord inclines, 
To Moses' weakness, gave him several signs, 
To prove to him by supernatural sights, 
And to convince the hopeless Israelites, 
That he was surely sent to take command, 
And be their leader to the promis'd land. 

Then Moses having in his hand a rod, 
"Cast it forthwith upon the ground,'' says God : 
And lo ! the rod that on the ground he threw. 
Became a serpent, terrible to view. 
This sudden sight struck Moses with such dread, 
That he in terror from the serpent fled. 

I he Lord then said, (on seeing fear prevail) 
" Put forth thy hand, and take it by the tail." 
Thereby encourag'd, he became more bold, 
Reach'd out his hand, and as express'd, took hold j 
It then resum'd the shape it had before, 
And in his hand became a rod once more. 

This was perform'd by Him who's good and kind, 
To banish doubts from Moses' fearful mind ; 
And that when he, in the Almighty's name. 
Before the Israelites should do the same, 
They might believe, with one unfeign'd accord, 
That he was well commission'd by the Lord. 



THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. IS^ 

That Moses might to doubting not incline, 
The Lord vouchsaf 'd to grant another sign ; 
"Put in thy bosom, now, said he, thy hand f 
Moses, obedient to the Lord's command, 
Put in his hand, and took it out, and lo ! 
His hand was lep'rous, just as white as snow ! 

The Lord once more gave Moses a command^ 
To put into his bosom then his hand ; 
He put it in, and took it out once more, 
And it was cur'd, completely as before. 

This miracle was evidence so great, 
It could not fail of having strength and weight; 
In that the plague of dire white leprosy, 
Which quite incurable, was held to be ; 
Was both inflicted, and the very hour, 
Was also curd, by an Almighty Power ! 

Here Moses might with reason good conceive^ 
That if the Israelites would not believe. 
On the first sign, exhibited to view. 
That on the second, they'd believe him true. 

But that there might not rise a doubting word. 
The Lord was pleas'd to add to him a third : 
"If they will not believe the two before, 
The water of the river thou shalt pour 
Upon the land, and though 'twas clear and good,- 
Before their eyes, it shall be turn'd to blood. 

But Moses yet could not be fully free, 
The want of utterance, was his present plea: 
" O Lord," said he, *' I am not eloquent, 
Therefore I am improper to be sent— 
Thy servant is unquahfi'd to teach, 
I am so slow of utterance and speech." 

This last objection, He who's good and kind, 
Was pleas'd to move from his rehictant mind, 
By telling him to •' Let it well be weigh'd. 
By whom the tongue or mouth of man was made : 
Or who hath form'd among the human kind, 
The dumb, the deaf, the seeing or the blind ? 
Say have not I, the all-creating Lord : 
Now therefore go, thou hast, indeed, my word ; 



134 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANC^. 

*' ril be with thee, ifthou wilt but obey, 

And with thy mouth, and teach thee what to say.'' 

Now having no apology to make, 
He bluntly to his gracious sov'reign spake : 
Instead of me, pray let some one attend, 
" Send, O my Lord, by him whom thou wilt send** 

While Moses had yet any thing to say, 
Though e'er so small, why he should not obey^ 
In reason founded, or in common sense, 
We do not read his Maker took offence ; 
Did to his weakness condescension pay. 
And all his scruples quite remove away ; 
But since objections he can make no more, 
He's yet unwilling, as he was before, 
To be obedient to the heavenly wordj 
Was kindled the displeasure of the Lord. 
"Which shows, that he will deign an ear to lend, 
And long to human frailty condescend ; 
Yet his dependants must obey his call, 
For he will not be trifled with at all. 

The Lord displeased, is yet with Moses miW ; 
But treats him still, unlike a stubborn child ; 
He passes lightly over the offence, 
Resumes his plea, the want of eloquence : 
Told him more plain (to urge him to confide) 
How that defect should fully be supplied. 
Thy brother Aaron doth in Egypt dwell, 
I know (says God) that he can utter well. 
Lo ! he comes forth ; to meet thee is bis choice, 
The interview will make his heart rejoice, 
Thou shalt my will to him communicate, 
Which he to others shall again relate ; 
I'll be with thee, thy mouth and Aaron's too, 
And teach what shall be said and done by you j 
Instead of mouth shall Aaron be to thee, 
And thou to him instead of God shall be ; 
And take the rod, that now is in thy hand, 
And do great signs therewith, at my command." 

Now Moses yielded, after he had stood 
Against the word, as long as e'er he could ; 



THE ISRALHTES* DELIVERANCE. 13^ 

And taking with him, in his hand, the rod, 

Thac from this time was call'd " The rod of God ^'' 

Since by the Lord so highly dignified. 

And in his cause, completely prov'd and tried— 

Was us'd by Moses, wonders to produce, 

And consecrated to a holy use. 

He takes his wife, and his two sons away, 
That from Mount Horeb he might them convey, 
To Midian, to his father Jethro's care ; 
And it appears that Moses left them there, 
Till he brought Israel from their deep distress^ 
And met his family in the wilderness * 

Since Moses now had yielded to obey 
The Lord's command, was fitting for the way, 
The Lord, to ease his mind of every fear, 
And make him go upon the way with cheer, 
Said, " Go, return to Egypt, nothing dread. 
For all the men who sought thy life are dead. 
And see that thou perform in Pharaoh's view, 
The wonders I commanded thee to do. 
But I will harden wicked Pharaoh's heart, 
That he shall not let Israel depart. 
And thou shalt go to Pharaoh with my word, 
And say to him, thus saith the mighty Lord, 
Israel's my son, first-born, I say to thee, 
Let my son go that he may worship me ; 
If thou refuse ; if thou dost him retain, 
Then thy own son, thy first-born shall be slain.** 

So Moses on the journey now intent. 
From Horeb to his father Jethro went ; 
^ut yet did not, that we discover, state, 
To him the vision, he had seen of late ; 
Nor tell him of the message or command, 
He had from God, to go to Egypt's land ; 
But only did to his kind father say, 
Let me now go from thee awhile I pray, 
Unto my brethren, who in Egypt dwell. 
To see if they are yet alive and well." 

* Exod. xviri. 2. 



136 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVEnANCE. 

He got from him immediate release, 
His answer was to Moses, *'Go in peace.'* 
A form of speech, that did his leave express, 
As well as wish him, in the way, success. 

Moses took leave, and while upon his way, 
The Lord most kindly did to Aaron say, 
** Go forth, into the wilderness repair. 
To meet thy brother who is coming there.'^ 
So Aaron went, and met him, with his rod, 
And him saluted, in the Mount of God. 

Then Moses told his brother how the Lord 
Had him commission'dby his sacred word. 
With all the signs that was the Lord's command. 
So on they went and came to Egypt's land. 

Soon to assemble, Aaron then invites 
The heads or elders of the Israelites : 
So they convened, just at the time he nam , 
And Aaron to them solemnly proclaim'd, 
The message by his brother from the Lord, 
And Moses, by the signs, confirmed the word ; 
Perform'd them, as commanded, in their sight, 
Who thereupon believ'd, with great delight. 
And when they had so clearly understood, 
The Lord had them thus visited for good ; 
That he had look'd on their afflictions sore. 
And that their bondage now was nearly o'er ; 
The elders humbled ; they with one accord, 
Bow'd down their heads, and worshipped the Lord. 

Moses and Aaron then to Pharaoh went. 
With this plain message that the Lord had sent : 
^' Lo ! we," said they, " were sent to thee to tell, 
Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, 
Now let my people be from toil releas'd. 
That they may go and hold to me a feast.'' 

When they had thus delivered him the word, 
^' Who i$ (was Pharaoh's quick reply) the Lord 
That I should be obedient to his voice. 
And let the people go. against my choice ? 
The Lord your God, I do not own or know, 
Nor will 1 let the people Israel go." 



THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 137 

^' The Hebrews' God hath met with us, said thej, 
And let us know that we must homage pay — 
Must offer him an humble sacrifice ; 
Therefore we pray thee, let us now arise, 
And three days journey in the wild repair, 
To offer him burnt sacrifices there : 
If we neglect, the Lord for our offence, 
May fall on us with sword or pestilence." 

The king, whose heart by wickedness was hard, 
Took them up short, would not the word regard ; 
*' Moses and Aaron, why do you beguile, 
And vainly stop the people from their toil ^ 
Their numbers greatly in the land increase. 
And now ye make them from their burdens cease ; 
To your concerns more strict attention pay, 
Get you to your owns burdens now away." 
By haughty povv'r, triumphant over right, 
They thus were driven from the monarch's sight. 

He highly vex'd at this short interview, 
To the task-masters orders gave anew. 
To put in force a most oppressive law. 
That they no more should give the people straw, 
To make the brick, as the) before had dcnf ; 
But they themselves to gather straw should run: 
On them should yet, full tale of bricks be laid. 
Which they, before this act was pass'd, had made. 
" Now lay, said Pharaoh, cm these men the rod, 
Who cry, let us go sacrifice to God ; 
And let the work on them be very hard, 
That they may not vain words of men regard.'' 

W^hen these task-masters, who were sharp and bold. 
And the inferior officers had told 
The Israelites of this vexatious law. 
That Pharaoh would no more allow them straw, 
V"et of their work no part would he abate, 
(A doubly sad and deep afflicted state) 
They then were scattered all the country round, 
To gather stubble since no straw was found ; 
Their masters drove them to fulfil the law. 
Their daily tasks, as when they found them straw. 

13 



138 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

Now when they could not possibly complete, 
The orders issu'd from the royal seat, 
Those who were of the Israelites distress'd, 
Whom the task-masters set above the rest, 
To see each task completed, as before, 
"Were calPd to reckoning, and were beaten sore. 

Those who thus fill'd the overseers hard place, 
Were of th' afflicted Israehtish race ; 
That they the truth to light might fully bring, 
To know if this decree was of the king. 
Or whether by their hard task- masters made, 
They their complaint before the monarch laid ; 
They told him of their grievance sore and great, 
And humbly did with him expostulate. 
" Wherefore dost thou thus deal, to make a law, 
That thy poor servants be allow'd no straw ? 
Yet the task-masters, who with us are hard. 
Say make us brick, when of the means debarred, 
Since we our tasks can't finish, as before, 
They take thy servants, and they beat us sore : 
Quite deaf are they to thy poor servants' cries, 
W hen all the fault in thy own people lies." 

Instead of list'ning with a gracious ear, 
They had from Pharaoh this reply severe, 
"You're idle, idle, I'll not hear your cries. 
To quit your labour, and to sacrifice ; 
Go to your work, consistent with my law, 
For I no more will furnish you with straw ; 
To do your tasks ye shall not therefore fail, 
But of the bricks deliver the full tale." 

By this the Israelitish agents saw 
Their state was wretched, by the monarch's lavy. 
On coniing forth from Pharaoh, in the street, 
They did with Moses and with Aaron meet; 
And faithless now that they could find rehef, 
They vented out their anger and their grief: 
" The Lord look down on you, in judgment right. 
For ye have made us loathsome in the sight 
Of Pharaoh, and his servants too, this day, 
And given them a weapon, us to slay." 



THE ISRAELITES' DELITERANCE. l39 

This was to Moses a retort severe, 
For his e;reat labour and his love sincere. 

As soon as he a proper place could find, 
To ease the burdens of an anguished mind, 
He call'd on Him who rules in realms above, 
Expostulating in the depth of love : 
'* Why hast thou dealt with Israel thus, O Lord f 
Why hast thou sent me with thy sacred word f 
For since I here to cruel Pharaoh came, 
To speak to him, in thy most holy name, 
Still greater burdens on poor Israel fall, 
Thy people thou hast not relieved at all." 

" Now, (said the Lord to Moses) shalt thou view^ 
What I will unto cruel Pharaoh do ; 
Ere 1 have done with this oppressor, lo t 
He will be glad to let the people go : 
When he has felt most thoroughly the weight 
Of my right hand, on him, in judgment great ; 
Behold he then shall with a potent hand, 
Drive out my people from his ruin'd land. 
*' The covenant shall surely never fade, 
With Abra'm, Isaac, and with Jacob made. 
The land of Canaan I on them bestow'd, 
Where they as lonely strangers once abode, 
Lo ! I have heard the people's groanings deep, 
Whom the Egyptians in hard bondage keep : 
I to the covenant have attention paid, 
.For their release, I with their fathers made. 

Thou this decree shalt to the people state, 
Declare to them 1 am Jehovah great : 
You out from Egypt's burdens I will bring, 
And rid you from the bondage of their king : 
I will redeem you from Egyptian harm, 
With direful judgments, and an out-stretch'd arm. 
I'll turn my hand on those that you oppress. 
And they shall feel the weight of your distress. 
I'll bring you out from Pharaoh's cruel rod. 
To be my people, and Til be your God ; 
And ye shall know I am Jehovah great, 
I'll ransom you from your afflicted state, 



140 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE: 

And I will lead you to the fertile land, 
Concerning which I lifted up my hand. 
In confirmation, truly as 1 live, 
To Abra'm, Isaac, Jacob, I would give 5 
I'll grant it as an heritage to you, 
lam Jehovah" — to my promise true. 

Thus Moses sent, to Israel goes again, 
And spoke to them in this majestic strain. 
They guided not so much by faith, as sense ; 
And finding now their burdens were intense : 
Since he their cause had with the tyrant plead/ 
They were to double grievous burdens led ; 
To that degree let prejudice appear. 
That they would not at all to Moses hear. 
And thus he left them, till their doleful state, 
Or God's strong hand on their oppressors great, 
Should waken them to a sincere desire, 
And cause them for deliverance to aspire. 

Soon Moses was commanded by the Lord, 
To go again to Pharaoh, w'ith his word, 
And tell him that it was the Lord's command, 
That he let Israel go from Egypt's land. 

Then Moses paus'd, reluctant to consent, 
And wond'ring stood, he drew this argument : 
" Alas ! said he, since Israel would not hear, 
Thy chosen people would not lend an ear. 
In their enslav'd and deep afllicted state. 
Although entire to their advantage great ; 
How is it likely that so vile a king, 
As Pharaoh is, should listen in a thing, 
That he so sternly has refus'd to heed. 
And which would be so great a loss indeed :''^ 

To take his wonder and his plea away, 
The Lord did to his servant Moses say : 
*' Lo ! 1 have made thee lofly Pharaoh's lord, 
And Aaron shall to him declare my word ; 
Thou shalt relate to Aaron what I say, 
And he the same to Pharaoh shall convey, 
And let him know that it is my command, 
That he send Israel's children from his land 



THE ISRAELITES* DELIVERANCE. 141 

But that thou may'st not a repulse regard,^ 

Take notice that the king Pharaoh's heart is hard, 

He will not hear you, nor my word obey, 

That my strong hand I may on Egypt lay ; 

And forth the armies of my people bring, 

Out of the land of the Egyptian king, 

With judgments great, and terrible and sore, 

That I shall surely on that kingdom pour. 

Since through his reign he harden'd his own heart* 

Egypt and Pharaoh, both shall feel the smart ; — 

Since he kept Israel long in bondage sore, 

With cruel hardness never known before, 

And now hath caus'd their burdens to increase ; 

I'll surely give the haughty prince no peace : 

His cruel heart I now will harden o'er, 

Or suffer him his heart to harden more, 

That my great signs and mighty wonders, I 

May in the land of Egypt multiply. 

Should therefore harden'd Pharaoh say to you^ 

Prove by a miracle your message true ; 

That to the word he may attention pay, 

Thou shalt unto thy brother Aaron say, 

Cast down thy rod ; 'twill then be form'd anew, 

Become a serpent, wonderful to view." 

Now Moses' age was fourscore years, we see ,; 
His brother Aaron's, just fourscore and three. 

With this command from the Omnipotent, 
They to the palace, to the monarch went ; 
To him the message, they, with one accord, 
Deliver'd, as commanded by the Lord. 
But he would not believe the word of God ; 
Then Aaron cast before the king the rod, 
And also in his servants' sight, we read, 
And 'twas a serpent, terrible indeed. 

Then Pharaoh call'd, (this miracle to try) 
The sorcerers, and sages, far and nigh. 
And two of them, most eminent or fam'd, 
Jannes and Jambres by Saint Paul are nam'd.* 

* 2 Tim. ill 8. 



142 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

Here these magicians, with delusion great, 
Were suffer'd Aaron now to emulate — 
By their enchantments to perform that hour, 
What had been done by God's immediate pow'r. 
For ev'ry man threw down his rod, and lo! 
They all were turn'd to serpents there, in show. 
But Aaron's rod was of such pow'r possess'd, 
With perfect ease, it swallow'd up the rest. 

This last great wonder, and surprising thing, 
Had been enough to have convinced the king ; 
Had not the hard'ning of his heart and mind, 
Obscur'd his sense, and made his judgment blind ; 
That he could not the difference discern. 
Nor comprehend what might an infant learn. 
Blinding his judgment, harden'd him, that so, 
He still refus'd to let the people go. 

Although this was a miracle, and great, 
It was no plague to monarch or the state ; 
It brought no damage, though a wondrous thingj 
To the Egyptian people, or the king. 
It takes dire strokes of vengeance great, to draw, 
Or penetrate obdurate men with awe. 
Behold, the Lord, for the Egyptian sin, 
Was now resolv'd that he would plagues begin. 

The Lord then said to Moses, " Pharaoh's heart 
Is hard indeed, he'll not let you depart." 
He then bid Moses take the rod in hand, 
Which had been to a serpent turnM, and stand, 
Next morn in waiting, by the river near, 
Until the king of Egypt should appear. 
This message then shalt thou to him present ; 
*' To thee, the Lord, the Hebrews' God hath sent,. 
To let my people go from their distress. 
That they may serve me in the wilderness; 
And hitherto, when call'd upon to hear, 
Lo ! thou hast turn'd from my commands thy ear ? 
Thus saith the king, who speaks the sacred word, 
Thou shalt discern by this that I'm the Lord : 
Behold, I will close by the river stand, 
And smite it with the rod that's in my hand 5 



THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 143 

And lo ! the waters, that are clear and good. 
Shall all be turn'd immediately to blood. 
The fish shall die, that in the river dwell, 
And then most naus'ous will the water smell, 
And greatly will Egyptians loath awhile, 
To drink the water of the river Nile." 

Then Aaron took the rod from Moses' hand, 
And rais'd it up, at the supreme command, 
And did the waters of the river smite, 
Before the king, and in his servants' sight : 
And lo ! the waters that were sweet and pure. 
Were turn'd to blood, that they could not endure. 
This had its pow'r on all the streams around, 
The rivers, ponds, and pools, in Egypt found ; 
Their conduits, and their aqueducts, whereby 
The people in their houses found supply ; 
And all the vessels, both of stone and wood, 
Aijd ev'ry cistern now was fill'd with blood. 
In Egypt there was nothing found but gore, 
In ev'ry place where water was before. 
And all the fish of Egypt's river died. 
For disobedience, cruelty, and pride. 

Now the Egyptians so for water pin'd. 
They dug wherever they could water find. 
With this dire plague, all Egypt's kingdom o'er, 
Seven tedious days were they afflicted sore. 

Moses was known to have been bred with care, 
In all the learning and the wisdom there ; 
The king, therefore, suspected in his heart. 
That this was all perform'd by magic art. 
So he for the magicians call'd once more. 
To try their skill, as th«y had done before : 
The pow'r of magic they so understood. 
They took some water, which they turn'd to blood. 
This serv'd anew to harden Pharaoh's heart, 
He would not let the Israelites depart ; 
Nor would he now regard them any more, 
Than for the miracle they wrought before. 
The Lord resolv'd to follow closely now, 
No time would he of interval allow. 



144 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

As soon as seven days were at an end, 
Since stubborn Pharaoh would not hear of bend, 
The Lord sent Moses to the king again, 
With this sharp message, he deliver^ plain : 
"Thus saith the Lord, omnipotent and wise, 
Let Israel go, that they may sacrifice ; 
If thou wilt not with my command unite, 
With loathsome frogs I will thy borders smite -^ 
Behold with frogs the Nile shall overflow, 
That they shall forth out of the river go ; 
They in thy palace shall appear with dread, 
In thy bed-chamber, and upon thy bed ; 
No house in Egypt shall of them be free ; 
In kneading-troughs and ovens they shall be ; 
Nay, they shall come, and on thyself shall creep, 
Shall on thy servants, and the people leap." 

This was the second plague denounc'd we find, 
Which hardened Pharaoh would not hear or mind : 
Moses gave order, by command of God, 
For Aaron to stretch out his hand and rod : 
So he stretch'd forth the rod, a little while, 
O'er Egypt's highly valu'd river Nile ; 
And frogs came up, at the Divine command, 
In such abundance, they o'errun the land. 

Now Pharaoh tried the fam'd magicians' might, 
Who by enchantments so deceived his sight. 
That he believ'd, and all his servants thought, 
They also frogs out of the river brought. 
Which help'd to harden Pharaoh's heart once more, 
That he indeed was harder than before. 

This was a very loathsome plague, most sure, 
And hard fof king and people to endure ; 
Great swarms of frogs in ev'ry house to creep, 
And in their chambers, on their beds they leap j 
In ovens and in kneading-troughs abound, 
Crawl on the king and all his subjects round. 

How long this grievous plague continu'd there. 
The text doth not explicitly declare ; 
But it continu'd, as a scene unknown. 
Until it wearied Pharaoh on his throne. 



THE Israelites' deliverance. 145 

Though his magicians juggled up to view, 
False frogs, they could not send away the true. 
This plague on Pharaoh was so sore and great, 
He sent for Moses to capitulate : 
** Entreat the Lord, that he may take, said he, 
The frogs all from my people, and from me ; 
And then I'll grant you leave, with one accord, 
To go and sacrifice unto the Lord." 

This was the first concession that was gain'd, 
From haughty Pharaoh, when most deeply pain'd. 
Then Moses said, *' Set thou the time, or day, 
When I shall for thee and thy servants pray, 
That he may from thee all the frogs destroy. 
And from thy people, they so much annoy : 
That they may only in the river be, 
If 'tis not done, then glory over me.'* 

'* To-morrow pray (says Pharaoh) to the Lord j" 
" So let it be, said Moses, at thy word ; 
That thou may'st know who stretches out the rod, 
That there's none like Jehovah great, our God : 
To-morrow shall the frogs dep?irt from thee^ 
Alive, they only in the Nile shall be." 

Moses and Aaron then from Pharaoh went. 
And Moses did his humble pray'r present — 
The Lord Almighty fervently besought. 
To take away the frogs that he had brought. 
The Lord was pleas'd to condescend that day, 
The frogs in Egypt died without delay, 
From all their fields, their houses and their streets. 
From Pharaoh's throne, and from the courtiers' seats. 

When Pharaoh found relief in time of need, 
That Egypt from this grievous plague was freed, 
He thought, perhaps, afilictions days were o'er, 
His heart he harden'd as he'd done before ; 
And was in his obduracy so bold. 
He would not hearken, as the Lord foretold.^ 

The Lord then to his servant Moses spake, 
To say to Aaron, he the rod must take, 

* Exod. vji. 4, 



146 THE ISBAELITFS' DELIVERANCE^ 

And smite the dust of the Egyptian land ; 
"Which was performed, according to command s 
And wonderful — for cruelty and vice, 
The dust of Egypt all was turn'd to lice. 
They were a plague to the Egyptians sore^ 
Such as the world had never known before ; 
A grievous torment both to man and beast, 
Alike distress'd the peasant, prince, and priest. 

The bold magicians went to work again, 
To try their skilK but all was now in vain : 
They who by magic, at a former hour, 
To turn to serpents all their rods had power — - 
To blood turn'd water, also frogs had brought 5 
Behold their credit now was come to nought ; 
With all their skill, in their enchantments' use^ 
They could not one small insect then produce* 
The fam'd magicians now were forc'd to yield, 
And own that they were beaten in the field ; 
To Pharaoh they confess'd with one accord, 
That this was by the finger of the Lord. 
Yet Pharaoh's heart was so intensely hard, 
Moses and* Aaron he would not regard. 

The Lord intent the Israelites to save, 
The hardened king another summons gave : 
Rise up, said He, who's infinitely great, 
To Moses, early in the morn, and wait 
Till Pharaoh comes forth to the river's side ; 
Then say to him regardless of his^ride, 
Thus saith the Lord, the mighty God to thee, 
Let Israel go, to serve and worship me ; 
Or else I'll send (to Egypt's great surprise) 
On thee and servants, grievous swarms of flies; 
And in thy palace, and all Egypt o'er, 
The swarms of flies shall be a torment sore. 
And that thou may'st be quite distinctly taught, 
That 'tis on thee, and on thy people brought 
For the dire burdens you on Israel lay, 
I'll wonderfully sever in that day, 
The land of Goshen, my own people's stand. 
From all the other parts of Egypt's land ; 



THE ISRAELITES^ DELIVERANCE. 14? 

Behold ! within the Israelilish bound, 

There shall, indeed, no swarms of flies be found. 

I'll surely put a plain division line 

Between those who my people are and thine, 

That thou may'st then distinctly understand, 

That I'm Jehovah, reigning in the land : 

If thou dost not thy stubborn will resign, 

To-morrow shall be this afllicting sign. 

But Pharaoh was not to submission led, 
Therefore the Lord accomplished what he said : 
Great swarms of most tormenting flies he sent; 
They in the king's and servants' houses went ; 
And lo ! to their most terrible surprise, 
The land was all corrupted by the flies. 
Egypt's magicians, greatly fam'd before, 
Foil'd by a louse, were call d upon no more. 

This plague was great, and very grievous sure? 
That Pharaoh was not able to endure : 
He then for Moses, and for Aaron sent. 
And told them in a tone of discontent, 
'* Go ye, and to Jehovah sacrifice, 
But in this land," and take away the flies. 

To be reliev'd, he wish'd with all his heart, 
Yet was unwilling with his slaves to part : 
And being born of Egypt's dark abode, 
A stranger and an enemy to God, 
He did not know that Jacob's humble seed — - 
That those who are true Israelites indeed, 
Can't sacrifice availing to the soul. 
While under the Egyptian king's control ; 
They must, indeed, come forth from Egypt quItCj 
Who sacrifice, or worship God aright. 

Moses so treated this important thing. 
As to convince, and not provoke the king: 
" 'Tisnot consistent with the Lord's command, 
Said he to sacrifice in Egypt's land j 
We cannot offer to the Lord we fear, 
Th' abomination of the people here: 
To offier to the God that we adore, 
The creatures the Egyptians fall before 5 



148 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

The ox and sheep, will them to anger lead ; 
A thing thy men abominate indeed. 
Thy people, doubtless, would to stone us rise, 
Should we their gods, to our God sacrifice. 
Therefore, let us, (is humbly our address) 
Go three days journey in the wilderness, 
And sacrifice, quite out of Egypt's land, 
Consistent with the Lord's supreme command." 

The king reply'd (most bitterly distress'd) 
" If nought will serve but what you now request, 
ril condescend to grant you leave to rise, 
And in the lonely desert sacrifice ; 
Yet ye shall not go very far away, 
Therefore entreat the Lord for me I pray." 

Though Moses could not in his words confide, 
Yet that he to the utmost might be try' d ; 
** I to the Lord," said he, " my pray'r will make, 
That he the grievous swarms of flies may take 
From Pharaoh, and the servants of the king; 
To-morrow doubtless will complete the thing. 
But let not Pharaoh, as at times before. 
Deceitfully deal with us any more, 
In not permitting, though we had thy word. 
To go and sacrifice unto the Lord." 

So Moses went, the king's desire obey'd, 
And to the Lord most fervently he pray'd. 
Then He, who was in living faiih addressed, 
Vouchsafed to grant his servant his request 5 
Consistent with the humble Moses' cries, 
Remov'd away the grievous swarms of flies : 
Not one of them, that the Egyptians pain'd. 
With king, nor with the people then remain'd. 

The monarch from his deep distress releas'd, 
His view of standing to his promise ceas'd ; 
Again he harden'd his obdurate heart, 
And would not let the Israelites depart. 
For this transgression, Pharaoh's heart of steel, 
And Egypt too more grievous plagues must feel. 

The Lord once more meek Moses sent to stand 
Before the king, to tell him his command ; 



THE Israelites' deliverance. 149 

'^ Thus saith Jehovah, Jacob's God to thee, 
Let Israel go, to serve and worship me ; 
If thou wilt be so stubborn and so bold, 
To disobey the word divine, behold ! 
To-morrow my strong hand will be reveal'd, 
And fall upon the cattle in the field, 
On horses, camels, oxen, and the sheep ;' 
On all the creatures the Egyptians keep ; 
A grievous murrain all thy regions o'er, 
Such as in Egypt was unknown before. 
The Lord will then a mighty difference place, 
Between thy beasts, and those of Israel's race ; 
For notwithstanding Egypt's great distress, 
Shall nothing die the Israelites possess." 

The haughty king, whose heart was hard and sloutj 
Against Divine direction standing out ; 
Upon the morrow, the appointed day, 
Through Egypt was a scene of great dismay ; 
The hand of vengeance was again reveal'd, 
Their cattle died, that stock'd the verdant field. 
Then Pharaoh sent, to learn how Israel sped, 
And lo ! he found no cattle there were dead. 
He might have view'd this as a certain sign 
That this great judgment on him was divine. 
Exactly fitting what the Lord foretold ; 
Yet he was still so stubborn and so bold. 
If possible, in hardness he increas'd. 
For he would not let Israel be released. 

Since he the warning heeded not before, 
Another plague was added that was sore : 
For Moses now, at the Divine command, 
Took ashes from the furnace in his hand, 
Which he besprinkled round about and threw 
Toward the heav'ns in haughty Pharaoh's view : 
An epidemic plague, of boils and blains, 
Broke forth, with doleful and afflicting pains. 
On Pharaoh and his people, man and beast. 
Throughout the land, from greatest to the least ; 
This was so grievous, and intensely sore, 
That the magicians^ who perhaps once more, 

1^ 



150 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

Would have regain'd their credit in the land, 
Could not at all in Moses' presence stand ; 
Por their distress was very sore and great, 
As well as all the people of the state. 

Yet Pharaoh from first hearing of the word, 
His heart himself had harden'd 'gainst the Lordr 
Was now by God judiciously made hard^ 
That he would not the word Divine regard. 

This sixth plague not prevailing by its sting, 
God sent a thundering message to the king, 
To warn him, and the people of the land, 
The awful thund'ring vengeance was at hand. 
*' Rise up to-morrow, early in the day," 
Said God to Moses, *' And to Pharaoh say, 
'' Thus saith Jehovah, let my people go, 
That they may serve me, else to thee is wo ; 
For 1 will now and henceforth, like a dart, 
Send all my plagues in, and upon thine heart. 
(Not only frogs, lice, boils upon thy skin, 
But I will pierce thee to the heart within) 
On thee, and on thy people they shall be. 
That thou may'st know there's none on earth like nje. 
If when I smote the cattle here, of late, 
I'd smitten thee, and people with their fate — 
With pestilence, instead of murrain then, 
Thou hadst been cut off from the sons of men ; 
But I have-spar'd thee to this very hour, 
That I might show thee my Almighty power; 
And through the wide extended earth proclaim 
My great and glorious, everlasting name. 

Dost thou thyself thus dignify indeed, 
And wilt not let my people yet proceed ! 
Behold ! to-morrow is the word Divine, 
If thou dost not thy lofly will resign, 
I'll cause to fall a very grievous hail ; 
Such as will make the hardest heart to fail J 
The like o'er Egypt never did pervade, 
Since it was known, or its foundation laid. 

As thou wilt not to part with Israel yield, 
Send now, and fetch the cattle from the fitld 



THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 151 

(The cattle that were in the shed or store, 
Not in the field, escap'd the plague before) 
For on each man, and also every beast, 
Found in the field, from greatest to the least. 
And not brought home, on this thou may'st rely, 
The hail shall fall, and they shall surely die." 

Although king Pharaoh was become so hard, 
That he would not this message so regard, 
As to command all the Egyptians round, 
For cattle that might in the field be found 
To be secur'd, as ordered by the Lord ; 
Yet some there were who fearM the sacred word, 
Their servants and their cattle home they brought^ 
And sav'd their lives, as they were kindly taught. 
IBut those who were so harden'd and so blind. 
That they would not the gracious warning mind, 
For servants and for cattle never car'd. 
Forthwith according to their folly far'd. 

When the set time was come, and Pharaoh still, 
Would not surrender his most stubborn will, 
The prophet, by the high command of God, 
Stretch'd out his hand, and toward heaven, his rod. 
And lo ! the Lord sent thunder, hail and fire, 
Which ran along upon the ground most dire ; 
So terrible, the like was never seen. 
Since the Egyptians had a nation been : 
All courage fail'd, and every face was pale, 
Throughout the land the direful crashing hail, 
Smote all that wrought, or pastured in the field ; 
Nor man nor beast, left there, could find a shield. 
It smote the herbs, and still more strange to tell, 
The stubborn trees before this tempest fell ; 
The flax was boll'd, and barley in the ear, 
Were so grown up that they were smitten clear ; 
The wheat and rye, indeed, escaped alone. 
Because as yet they were but little grown. 
Blest Goshen now escap'd the awful gale, 
Where Israel dwelt there was no fire or hail. 

Great loss did Egypt by this plague sustain, 
In trees and fruits, in men and cattle slain ; 



152 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

And lo ! the terror was so great and dire, 
By thunder, hail, and awful running fire, 
It made hard Pharaoh's heart, surrender more 
Than all the plagues had ever done before : 
For Moses and for Aaron, in his dread. 
He call'd to him. and in his terror said, 
"I've sinn'd, the Lord is righteous, well I know 5 
Yes, we are wicked, and deserve the wo." 
This was the first confession Pharaoh made, 
(When elements for battle seem'd array'd) 
Done in a fright, was doubtless insincere. 
For his repentance ended with his fear. 
Proceeding then, " Entreat the Lord, for me. 
That there may no more mighty thund'rings be, 
God's awful voice, with fearful hail and fire, 
Fll let you then depart, as ye desire." 

" As soon as lam gone (the prophet said) 
My hands abroad unto the Lord Fll spread ; 
The thunders then that with dread terrors roar, 
The flames and hail shall rage at all no more : 
That thou may'st know who did the earth create, 
That it belongs unto Jehovah great ; 
But as for thee, and for thy servants too, 
I know the Lord will not be fear'd by you." 

So Moses from the royal city went. 
Did his petition for the king present : 
Then ceas'd the fire, the thunder, hail, and rain, 
And anxious Egypt found a calm again. 

This Pharaoh saw, and lo ! he sinn'd yet more, 
His heart congeal'd, as it had been before. 
He and his servants harden'd ev'ry heart. 
And would not let the Israelites depart. 
The king himself, to hardness yet inclin'd, 
Provok'd the Lord to harden him, we find : 
From the beginning he refused to bend ; 
God harden'd him to ruin in the end : 
This for black crimes was his most direful fate, 
A judgment on him for transgression great: 
Of this the Lord to Moses gave a view ; 
" I've harden'd him and all his servants too, 



THE Israelites' deliverance. 153 

To show to him the wonders I have done ; 
That thou may'st tell in hearing of thy son, 
And thy son's son, that in the land may dwell, ^ 
(The Israelites may their descendants tell; 
Thus future generations may be taught,) ' 

What wondrous things I have in Egypt wrought ; 
That ye may know who did the world create; 
And that I was, and am Jehovah great. 

Wherefore go in to Pharaoh, as before, 
And say unto the haughty king, once more, 
Thus saith Jehovah, sov'reign of the Jews, 
How long wilt thou to bow to me refuse f 
Let Israel go, as I have said to thee. 
That they in truth may serve and worship me, ' 
Or else to-morrow, I will locusts bring, 
On Egypt's people, and upon their king : 
And they so thick upon the land shall fall, 
That one cannot discern the earth at all : 
They shall completely eat the residue 
Of that which hath as yet escap'd for you. ^ 
(That which remained the people to supply, 
Escap'd the hail to wit, the wheat and rye.) 
Lo ! they shall fill the monarch's dwelling place, 
And ev'ry house of the Egyptian race ; 
And such a plague shall this be Egypt o'er, 
That no Egyptian ever saw before — 
Of no such scene could thy forefathers tell, 
Since they first came upon the earth to dwell." 

This plague denounc'd, the seer without delay, 
From Egypt s harden'd monarch turn'd away ; 
The courtiers now alarm'd indeed, were led 
By human prudence, unto Pharoah said, 
^' How lung shall Moses be a snare to us — - 
To ihee and to thy kingdom be a curse ; 
Pray set the people from their bondage free. 
To serve their God, as they request of ihee : 
Would'st thou first hear, and bear the painful sight, 
That Egypt is a desolation quite ?'' 

Then Moses, and his brother, back were led, 
To whom, in haste, the monarch spoke and said 

14* 



154 THE ISRAELITES DELIVERANCE. 

" Go serve your God : but hold — I first must know? 
W bo tbey must be that are with you to go ?" 
*' ^^e all will go (§aid Moses) young and old, 
Our sons and daughters, flocks and herds, to hold 
Unto Jehovah, our great king, a feast ; 
All must be there from greatest to the least." 

At this reply all Pharaoh's patience fled, 
And breaking out, almost to cursing said ; 
" May your Jehovah have you so at heart, 
I will not let you, on these terms depart : 
Not so (said he) — not you and little ones — 
I'll not permit your daughters, nor your sons ; 
The men may go and sacrifice entire, 
And serve Jehovah ; that was your desire." 
Whereby he falsely would to them suggest, 
They ask'd more now than was their first request. 
" Look well (said he) on what you now insist, 
For evil is for you, if ye persist.'' 
And after this loquacious threatening, they, 
Who heretofore were us'd to go away. 
In high displeasure, and in great despite, 
W^ere driven out from lofty Pharaoh's sight. 

On this, meek Moses, by command of God, 
O'er Egypt held the consecrated rod ; 
The Lord then rais'd an eastern wind or gale, 
That did that day, and all next night prevail : 
And by the morning, as the Lord had taught. 
The east wind, locusts in abundance brought: 
They overspread all the Egyptian land. 
And all the borders, like an army grand. 
This plague, indeed, was grievous to be borne. 
And made the people of that kingdom mourn; 
Such locusts had been never seen before. 
And such indeed were to appear no more. 
Amidst the scene of horror and despair, 
The clouds of locusts darken'd Kgypt's air. 

Now Pharaoh's realm was in a gloomy state, 
For ev'ry herb this matchless army ate ; 
They swept the fruit from ev'ry place entire. 
That had escap'd the plague of hail and fire : 



THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 155 

They left in fields and gardens, nothing green — 
No verdure now in Egypt could be seen ; 
The swarms of locusts swept without delay, 
From Egypt thus its nourishment away. 

Alarm'd was Pharaoh, he well understood, 
The tendency of wasting all the food, 
Must his dominions dolefully annoy, 
And would, in time, both man and beast destroy. 
This sore affliction made the king relent, 
That he for Moses and for Aaron sent ; 
*' I've sinn'd (said he) against Jehovah, true. 
Who is your God, and evil done to you ; 
Yet now forgive, I pray thee, this one time, 
For well indeed, I understand my crime ; 
Entreat Jehovah, your great God? this day, 
To only take this death from me away," 

Then Moses forth from Pharaoh's presence vventj 
To favour him most feelingly intent ; 
The Lord entreated, at the king's request : 
The wind then rose, was mighty from the westj 
And swept the locusts, with a pow'rful blast. 
And all of them were in the Ked Sea cast. 

But yet the Lord was not with Pharaoh done, 
So deeply he in wickedness had run — 
His disobedience, and contempt of God, 
Incurr'd the vengeance of destruction's rod ; 
Therefore the Lord yet harden'd Pharaoh's heart, 
That he would not let Israel depart. 

The Lord then gave to Moses this command ; 
" Stretch out, toward the high expanse, ihine hand, 
A darkness then so very thick shall rise. 
It may be felt, with wonderful surprise." 
Moses obey'd, when to the people's dread, 
Behold ! thick darkness over Egypt spread ! 
That for the space of three alarming days. 
They saw no morning, nor nieridian rays : 
No one could now behold another's face ; 
Scarce one arose from his benighted place: 
But all the land of favour'd Goshen o'er, 
The sun displayed his lustre as before. 



J56 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

This was a lonci:, and solitary night, 
That Pharaoh callM for Moses, in a fright, 
And said, '* Go ye, and your Jehovah serve ; 
He yields a little, yet makes one reserve ; 
•* Take all your children, if you're so inclined. 
Your flocks and herds shall only stay behind." 

*' Our flocks and herds must sure (said Moses) go ; 
Thou hadst more need burnt-offerings to bestow, 
That w^e may to Jehovah sacrifice ; 
Indeed, our cattle we so highly prize, 
That none of them can be at all resignM — 
There sure shall not a hoof be left behind : 
We cannot fail, in our dependent state. 
To take thereof to serve Jehovah great ; 
For we know not (although in heart sincere) 
With what to serve him, till we there appear.'* 
An emblem apt, we might to profit weigh. 
Of the true worship, in the gospel day. 

This word, that they would nothing leave behind, 
Gave great offence to haughiy Pharaoh's mind : 
He said to Moses, in displeasure deep, 
*' Begone from me, and henceforth from me keep ;' 
Look to thyself, or thou unit end in pain, 
For thou shalt die on seeing me again." 
*' As thou hast said (says Moses) let if be, 
For I indeed will come no more to thee." 

But Moses having been inform'd before, 
The Lord would bring one plague on Egypt more — 
That he would surely all their first-born slay, 
That Pharaoh then would Israel drive away. 
As Mosos was no more to see the king. 
Ere parting, he unvtil'd the secret thing : 
" Thus saith Jehovah, at the midnight hour, 
I'll pass through F.gypt with a mighty pow'r; 
Behold, there then shall be a doleful cry. 
For all the first-born in the land, shall die ! 
From the first-born of royal Pharaoh, known, 
As heir apparent to him on the throne, 
Down to tlie first-born of the servant maid, 
That turns the mill; of Egypt's lowest grade 5 



THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 15T 

That this will be, ihoii may'st indeed rely^ 
And all the first born of the beasts shall die !" 

That he the king and servants might impress, 
He told them, " (here should be such great distress—- 
Throughout all Egypt such a bitter moan, 
As had not been, nt)r ever should be known." 
To let them know how quiet, still, and free 
From trouble, all the Israelites should be ; 
" That while Egyptians in the dead of night, 
Were under this most direful plague and fright," 
(He by a proverb, draws their minds to hark,) 
" A dog shall not at one in Israel bark." 
And that they might especial notice take, 
How great a diff'rence then the Lord would make. 
He told the king, " That terror like a dart, 
At this dire plague, should strike them so to heart ; 
That those his servants, who were once elate, 
His counsellors — prime ministers of state, 
Should come to Moses ere the morning dawn, 

Entreating him and Israel to be gone ; 

And after that (s^id he) we will depart." 

Thas Moses cutting hardened Pharaoh's heart, 

With this last message, from Jehovah sent, 

He, warmed with zeal, from Pharaoh's presence went» 
The fourteenth day, of first month, we perceive, 

That Moses of the monarch took his leave; 

The Lord determin'd, in his love benign, 

To bring out Israel, by his pow'r divine. 

Some days before the day they were released 

He instituted the passover feast,* 

They were to keep, with a devoted mind. 

Each household of the Israelites, we find, 

On the tenth instant, with attention great, 

A lamb or kid were told to separate. 

To shut it up, and feed it from the rest, 

Until the fourteenth, w^ien it must be dress'd. 

This lamb or kid, (as ^ays the ancient page) 

Must be a male and not a year of age : 

* Exodus \i\. 



158 tHE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCfiJ 

Without a blemish, (outward or within) 

A tyoe of Christ, completely free from sin. 

The Iamb prepared, and all in order good, 

A bunch of hyssop they must dip in blood ; 

They at each house, the blood must sprinkle o'er 

The two side posts, and lintel of the door. 

This was directed — this was the intent, 

That when the angel of the Lord was sent, 

To pass through Egypt, the first-born to slay, 

He might to this a strict attention pay. 

And viewing of the painting at the door, 

He then might shun, or pass the houses o'er, 

And do no hurt to any Israelite, 

Where they were eating of the lamb that night.- 

And from the angel's passing o'er, 'tis said, 

The Hebrews' houses, painted thus with red, 

That awful night of Egypt's dire dismay, 

'Tis the Passover call'd unto this day. 

And furthermore, it was to them the law, 
The lamb must not be eaten boil'd nor raw, 
But to be roasted by a gentle fire ; 
And in the dressing to be kept entire, 
AH undivided, just as it had grown, 
They were commanded not to break a bone ; 
A type of the Redeemer from the fall, 
Of whom they must not break a bone at alL 

The lamb or kid thus roasted (it is said) 
Was to be eaten with unleaven'd bread, 
And bitter herbs, to clearly represent 
The bitter bondage Israel underwent : 
And what w^as more than they to eat inclln'd. 
Was in the morning to be burnt, we find. 
They at this time were hastily to eat. 
Their loins all girded — shoes upon their feet ; 
Each one to have his walking staff in hand, 
All ready for departure from the land, 
^hese ceremonies were to show indeed, 
Their strong desire from Egypt to be freed ; 
To paint in symbols, and in emblems true, 
Their eagerness the journey to pursue. 



THE ISRAELITES' BELIVERANCE. 159 

All things were thus, this day prepared complete. 
For their departure from their bitter seat: 
At midnight, lo ! the angel at command, 
Smote all the first-born in the tyrant's land ; 
From the first-born of him who was enthron'd 
Down to the slave, who in the dungeon groan'd ! 
And all the first-born of the beasts were slain; 
A midnight scene of horror and of pain 1 

This brought on Pharaoh a most awful fright. 
And the Egyptians in the dead of night ; 
They then arose, and lo ! the cry was sore, 
Such as the land had never known before : 
The mourning here outstript the direful tale^ 
Of lamentation in Megiddo's vale. 
A general, great, and grievous cry began, 
That through the land of ruin'd Egypt ran 5 
A scene of anguish, and of awful dread, 
For in each house there was at least one dead. 

Both Pharaoh now, and all his courtiers round. 
Were in despair and deep afillction found; 
To Moses and to Aaron they proceed, 
Commanding them to quit the land with speed j 
*' Rise up said Pharaoh, and without delay, 
Get you forth from my kingdom quite away ; 
Both you and Israel (for your God I dread) 
And go and serve Jehovah, as ye said ; 
And also take your flocks and herds with you, 
According to your own demand and view, 
On terms 1 will no longer with you stand ; 
Bless me, I say, and get you from the land." 

Th' Egyptians also urg'd them not to stay, 
They wish'd to send them speedily away; 
In their alarm, to one another said, 
if they remain, lo ! we shall all be dead. 

The Israelites, w^ere by the Lord's command, 
Directed, ere they quit the painful stand, 
To borrow raiment, goodly to behold, 
And jewels made of silver and of gold. 
The Lord had greatly open'd and inclined 
Their hard Egyptian neighbours to be kind $ 



160 THE Israelites' deliverance. 

To lend them all that they might useful deem, 
And thus they lost their things in most esteem. 

Though Israel may be pardon'd in this thing, 
Because the Lord, who is the Sov'reign King, 
Of all mankind, and of all property, 
Did this himself, by his own power decree. 
That it might be a retribution view'd, 
To the Egyptians, for their conduct rude. 
For injuries that were intensely great, 
Done to poor Israel, in their wretched state, 
Yet there's no law, nor moral, nor divine, 
To grant us leave to act in such a line. 

Thus, after Israel long had been annoy'd, 
And Egypt almost, by ten plagues, destroyed, 
The people too from Pharaoh on the throne, 
To every rank that was in Egypt known, 
Had suffered deep in property and heart, 
Ere they would let the Israelites depart ; 
They on a sudden for their absence pray. 
And urge them in the greatest haste away. 

But yet did not this sudden movement make 
Moses forget good Joseph's bones to take, 
Which he in faith they would deliv'rance find, 
Had, at his death, explicitly enjoin'd 
Upon his friends, the Israehtes, that I hey 
Should take, and to the promised land convey ; 
Which lay embalm'd, through Israel's bondage sore, 
Entomb'd one hundred forty years, or more. 

Upon the first month, and the fifteenth day. 
With us the fifth of the fifth month, or May, 
They set out from their servitude, with cheer, 
Of men six hundred thousand very near. 
With all their women and their children too, 
The road to Canaan freely to pursue, 
With their great prophet Moses to command, 
They march to Succoth, made a little stand; 
From Succoth they upon their journey press, 
Encamp at Etham, near the wilderness. 

The Lord before his people went by day 
In a thick cloud, to lead them on the way ; 



THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 161 

And in a pillar of bright fire by night, 
He led the way, to give the people light. 
An emblem of the light that shines within, 
In gospel days, to lead away from sin. 
From Etham they concluded to proceed, 
Towards the sea the army march'd with speed ; 
Between the mountains to encamp were led, 
And right before them was the sea call'd Red. 
They to this place were guided with a view, 
Of drawing Pharaoh, blindly to pursue ; 
That he might be allur'd to give them chase, 
On seeing the advantage of the place ; 
That he might there his last defeat sustain, 
And Israel's king in perfect triumph reign. 

When the Egyptians had perform'd, with pain, 
The solemn fun'rals of their first-born slain, 
Some in the hearing of the monarch said. 
With seeming grief, " The Israelites are fled !" 
At once, we find, the old vexatious then-e, 
Rais'd his displeasure to a great extreme ; 
His heart long hard, became congeal'd that so, 
He now repented that he'd let them go ; 
The loss of them so pierc'd his heart with pain, 
That he resolv'dto bring them back again. 
Six hundred chosen chariots rais'd his pride, 
And all that were in Egypt found beside. 
With mighty captains, and his horsemen, all 
That could be rais'd on an emergent call ; 
"With these pursuing, with a furious mind^ 
He overtook them, the sixth day, we find, 
From their departure out of Egypt's land, 
Hard by the Red Sea, where they made a stand. 

This army, with the tyrant at its head. 
Struck the defenceless Israelites with dread : 
Surrounded where they could not flee or hide, 
In their alarm upon the Lord they cry'd : 
But soon they lost all confidence, and went 
Into a state of murmuring discontent. 
Good Moses was courageous and serene, 
. Encourag'd them to bear the trying scene ; 

15 



162 THE ISRAELITES' DELIVERANCE. 

^' Fear not, be still (was his consoling word) 
And see the great salvation of the Lord, 
Which he will show you, he will wonders do ; 
The Lord of Hosts, indeed, will fight for you. 
Th' Egyptians you have often seen before, 
Shall after this, be seen by you no more." 
Not only he encourag'd them, when try'd, 
But earnestly unto the Lord he cry'd : 
Who said to him (perhaps when on his knee) 
Wherefore dost thou for them petition me ? 
Speak to the Israelites, and let them know, 
It is my will that they should forward go.'* 

He furthermore to Moses gave command, 
" Lift up thy rod, stretch o'er the sea thy hand, 
The sea shall part, a path shall then be free. 
For Israel's host, to travel through the sea : 
ni harden the Egyptians hearts anew, 
That they shall after Israel pursue ; 
In spite of all Egyptian pride or boast, 
I'll honour get on Pharaoh and his host." 

The angel who, as the protector kind, 
Had gone before, remov'd and went behind ;. 
He in the pillar of the gloomy cloud, 
Clos'd in before the camp of Pharaoh proud ; 
All night between the two encampments lay, 
Kept them apart, till the ensuing day ; 
The cloudy side, next to Egyptians, black. 
It cast a darkness, and it kept them back : 
The fiery side was next to Israel, bright, 
It gave them, in this gloomy season, light. 

VVhen Moses, had, by the command of God, 
Stretch'd out his hand, and o'er the sea his rod. 
The Lord then made a mighty east wind blow, 
Which caus'd the sea all night to backward flow. 
Thus by his power, who set the people free, 
A wondrous path was open'd through the sea ; 
The Israelites went forward, then and found, 
Amid the sea, a path of solid ground. 

Ere long the tyrant, and his men survey'd 
All Israel marching, with a great parade : 



THE Israelites' deliverance. Id3 

That they might follow, seem'd to reason clear, 
With chariots and with horsemen, void of fear, 
Where men and women, with their children too, 
On foot had gone, as they could plainly view ; 
Now fixt to bring them back to servitude, 
Right after them into the sea pursu'd. 

At morning watch, on the Egyptians proud, 
The Lord look'd fiercely, through ihe fiery cloud ; 
The tyrant's host his great displeasure feels — 
Behold ! he throws otf all their chariot wheels ! 
Whereby they slowly drag upon the way, 
in great confusion the Egyptians say ; 
" Let us now turn, and flee from Israel's face, 
Escape with speed from this most dreary place, 
Forlo ! Jehovah fights for them, 'tis plain, 
Against Egyptians who are rash and vain.'' 

But now to flee, it was indeed too late, 
The scene was awful — terrible their fate ! 
For Moses, at the high command of God, 
Stretcb'd o'er the sea the consecrated rod ; 
When morn appear'd the sea return'd again, 
With mighty force — to flee it was in vaiji : 
Just as they had concluded to retreat. 
The Lord overthrew all Pharaoh's host complete — • 
The captains, horsemen, he for war had train'd, 
And all his warriors — none alive remain'd. 

But through the sea went Israel's numerous band, 
The waters were a wall on either hand, 
Until they reach'd with joy, the other shore. 
Where they did their Deliverer adore ! 
The Lord thus sav'd the Israelites that day, 
Kept them from being an Egyptian prey; 
Those they had seen, with dread, the day before. 
They saw now lying lifeless on the shore ! 

All Israel viewing what the Lord had wrought, 
How he his people through the sea had brought ; 
And that the tyrant who had made them groan. 
Was, with his army, sunk and overthrown, 
They fear'd the Lord, him as their God receiv'd. 
And in his servant Moses, they beliey'd. 



164 MOSES' SON€f. 

Now being safely on the shore again, 
Moses and Israel, in a grateful strain, 
For their deliv'rance, sung in tuneful lays, 
To God, a sweet triumphant song of praise ; 
That which we in the revelation find,* 
Is with the Lamb's most glorious anthem join'd. 



MOSES' SONG. 

Then Moses sung — all Israel accord. 
They sung this song of triumph to the Lord : 
I'll sing unto the glorious Lord for he 
Hath thrown the horse and rider in the sea. 

The Lord of hosts, he is my strength and song, 
And my salvation — he is great and strong ; 
He is my God, and I will for him care, 
A habitation I'll for him prepare. 

He is the Lord, and to him I will cry. 
My father's God — I will exalt him high : 
The Lord, he is a man of war and fame, 
The Lord of Hosts is his most glorious name. 

He hath the chariots, Pharaoh's pride and boast, 
Cast in the sea, with all his mighty host ; 
His chosen captains can no more be found, 
They are with Pharaoh, in the Red Sea drown'd ; 
The depths have cover'd and have heard their groarv 
They sunk unto the bottom as a stone. 

Lo ! thy right hand hath in a trying hour, 
O Lord, become most glorious in povv'r ; 
Yes ! thy right hand, with a most awful stroke, 
The enemy in many pieces broke. 

By thy own pow'r and majesty, that's great, 
Eternal excellency shone of late, 
Thou hast overthrown and swept away thy foes. 
The people who against thee vainly rose ; 
Thy wrath went forth on those who thus presum'd, 
And as the stubble they were all consum'd. 

• Rev. XV, s. 



MOSES' SONG. 



165 



The waters gatber'd at thy nostrils bh'ght, 
And lo ! the floods stood as a heap upright ; 
The fearful depths were then congeaFd by thee. 
At thy command, obedient was the sea. 

I will pursue, says Pharaoh, I will foil, 
I'll overtake them and divide the spoil ; 
My lust upon them I will surely cloy, 
ni draw my sword, my hand shall them destroy. 

With thy strong wind thou didst upon them blow, 
The Red Sea then o'erwhelm'd the mighty foe ; 
The rushing waters made the warriors leap, 
They sank as lead into the awful deep. 

Among the gods, O Lord, there's none like thee ; 
Who can be like the sov'reign Deity ? 
Thy glory and thy holiness resound ; 
For doing wonders thou art much renown'd. 

Thou stretchedst out thy overruling hand. 
The sea then swallow'd them, at thy command ; 
Thou in thy mercy forth the people led, 
Redeem'd and brought them thro' the sea that's Red j^ 
Hastguided them— thy strength hath wonders wrought— 
Them to thy holy habitation brought. 

The foes shall hear — the people be afraid. 
And sorrow o'er the distant lands pervade ; 
And there shall great solicitude take hold 
Of those who dwell in Palestina bold : 
The dukes of Edom then amaz'd shall shake. 
And all the mighty men of Moab quake. 

Then shall, in a most desolating day, 
Th' inhabitants of Canaan melt away ; 
Great fear and dread upon the people all. 
By thy great pow'r thy potent arm shall falk 
Still as a stone shall they be, at thy word. 
Until thy chosen people pass, O Lord ! 
Till they all pass the river Jordan o'er, 
Those tliou hast purchased and who thee adore. 

Thou thy belov'd inheritance shalt bring, 
And plant them in the mountain of our king ; 
The seat where thou thy dwelling-place hast made^ 
The temple where thy glory shall pervade : 

15* 



166 THE LIFE OF JOB. 

The Lord, whom Zion's children shall adore, 
In majesty, shall reign for evermore. 

Grand Pharaoh's chariot's, and bold horsemen too, 
Went in the sea, thy people to pursue ; 
What wonders thou hast for thy people wrought ; 
The Lord again the waters on them brought ; 
But lo ! thy children, safely kept by thee, 
Found sure protection thro' the mighty sea. 

THE LIFE OF JOB. 



t I SING the life of ancient faithfulJob, 

Renown'd for patience on the spacious globe ; 

He who most firmly his probation stood, 

Whose name's enrolPd with worthies great and good. 

With Noah and with Daniel in esteem ; 

O youth and elders, listen to the theme ; 

All who in patience to improve incline. 

Who in afflictions hope for aid divine. 

Of patience, here a great example view, 
Behold him in the scenes he waded through ; 
Sometimes desponding at the painful length, 
But as the day was, so he found his strength. 
A secret strength — the most renown'd of old, 
Rely'd thereon, and sought it more than gold 9 
In persecution found their minds serene. 
Were sav'd from harm in ev'ry trying scene. 
This pow'r the world from the rude chaos brought^ 
And keeps it now from vanishing to nought : 

This cogent pow'r whose right it is to sway. 
Translated Enoch in an ancient day. 
In this bless'd Noah sure protection found, 
When all the vain and wicked world was drown'd. 
'Tvvas this supported Joseph, in an hour, 
When he was in his wicked brethren's pow'r. 
This was his joy when he was basely sold, 
A blave to strangers for Egyptian gold — 



THE LIFE OF JOB. 167 

Protected him from ev'ry wicked band, 
And made him ruler over all the land. 

This rais'd up Moses pow'rful to diffuse, 
True, saving knowledge to the ancient Jews. 
This pow'r brought Israel, with a mighty hand, 
From Pharaoh's bondage and from Egypt's land : 
Was their protector, their unerring guide, 
Into the deep, that was before them dry'd. 
This made them sing with a triumphant voice. 
And on the shore of the Red Sea rejoice. 
This aided them in scenes of deep distress, 
And gave them manna in the wilderness. 

This was the pow'r the youthful David crown'd. 
The shield in which he all protecjion found 5 
His preservation in affliction's days — 
In times of joy, the subject of his praise. 

Much might be said of many ancient men, 
Including Daniel in the lion's den. 
This gave clear sight to those who long were blind, 
Brought lunatics to rectitude of mind. 
This heal'd the sick, and rais'd to life the dead, 
To sing in flames the patient martyrs led ! 
The Great First Cause, which man can never trace, 
Thro' endless ages rules the boundless space ! 

Among the men renown'd of ancient date, 
There liv'd in Uz, an oriental state, 
A man nam'd Job, who was, we apprehend, 
Of Abra'm's race, calPd the Creator's friend. 
The greatest man in all the Eastern clime 
For patience, wealth, and piety sublime. 
He evil shunn'd, and with a heart upright, 
Rever'd the Lord — was perfect in his sight. 

Seven thousand sheep were number'd for his flock, 
Three thousand camels part of his great stock ; 
His ploughs were by a thousand oxen drawn, 
Five hundred asses pastur'd on the lawn. 
This was his wealth, in sacred writ we read, 
His household too was very great indeed. 

His sons were seven, and his daughters threCj 
Unlike himself in true humility ; 



168 THE LIFE OF JOB. 

His sons too much to festive scenes inclin'd, 
Which griev'd his pious and paternal mind. 
To age arriv'd, they wander'd from his ways, 
They often met and kept their banquet days ;' 
From house to house they took their turns around. 
In feasting and diversion they abound. 
Their sisters likewise fondly they invite, 
To join their banquets, and their mirth unite. 

When they had gone in feasting round, and spent 
Their precious moments in such merriment. 
Good Job to sorrow and to fear was brought. 
Lest they had sinn'd, in action, word, or thought.. 
And rising early, he unto them sent, 
To sanctify them was his good intent ; 
To make atonement for their jolly feasts, 
Prepar'd burnt offerings of clean birds or beasts. 

The pious care of this good man, we see, 
Was well accepted by the Deity, 
Who more than common value on him set ; 
That when the sons of God together met, 
To worship Him undoubtedly their aijn, 
That fallen angel call'd old Satan came, 
To see what harm could be by him devis'd. 
Against the men who true religion priz'd. 
When they'd assembled, with a true intent. 
The Lord was pleas'd good Job to represent 
A pattern fair, one whose delight he knew, 
Was in his Maker, and religion true. 
'I'was Satan's office up and down to go, 
He said the earth he'd t ravel' d to and fro. 
" Hast thou," says God, *' beheld my servant Job, 
That there's none like him on the spacious globe, 
A man upright and perfect — truly one, 
"V\ ho feanth Gud, and who doth evil shun." 

The adversary, with malignant view. 
Would not acknowledge Job sincerely true ; 
But ibat hf io this- sanctity was led. 
By views unsound, and very selfish, said, 
" Doth Job serve God for nought f" let me allege, 
f^ Thou hast completely round him made a hedge, 



THE LIFE OF JOB. 169 

About his house, around him far and wide, 
" Securing all he hath on ev'ry side : 
Lo ! thou hast bless'd the labour of his hand, 
His wealth has widely overspread the land.'' 
Riches immense are given him by thee, 
Thou dost protect him from all danger free. 
" But put forth now thy hand, and him annoy, 
Touch all he hath," his property destroy, 
" His reputation he will then disgrace. 
And boldly curse thee to thy very face." 

The Lord, Job's great integrity well knew, 
That he'd no equal on the earth was true, 
And that it might to honour great redound, 
Was he on trial true and faithful found ; 
That the example might to others be 
A useful lesson of integrity, 

Permitted what the vile Apollyon plann'd, ^ 

" All he possesses is at thy command. 
But on his person put not forth thy hand." 

That Satan hath no pow'r, it hence appears, 
O'er him who truly and sincerely fears 
The King Omnipotent, who rules and reigns — 
O'er all his works his providence maintains : 
But Satan having this permission, goes 
To stir his agents, to bring on the woes ; 
The great old tyrant all his forces calls. 
And on poor Job, he, void of mercy, falls. 

The children of this worthy man, we find. 
Still deviated from his godly mind ; 
For they all met, as they had often done, 
To have a banquet with his eldest son. 
This time took Satan to begin his theme, 
He stirr'd the Sabeans to a plund'ring scheme. 
When these free-booters had their mischief done, 
A messenger to Job with tidings run : 
*' The oxen were," says he, *' to ploughing gone, 
The asses feeding on the verdant lawn, 
The Sabean roving plunderers to-day. 
Upon them fell and took them all away; 



r 



170 THE LIFE OF JOB. 

And what adds greatly to the loss and pain, 
Thy servants also with the sword are slain ; 
I only am escap'd alone (says hej 
" To tell the news of this distress to thee.'* 

Though this must be to this great man a cross, 
A thousand oxen gone, a heavy loss. 
Five hundred asses, and the servants kill'd, 
Which him with sorrow, and deep mourning fill'd j 
But this might then, to common sense appear, 
The lot of any, who abode so near 
The place where roving plunderers reside, 
They robbing all around them far and wide ; 
And so might not, by patient Job, be thought 
A judgment that an angry God had brought : 
VVhich Satan knew, would be the very thing. 
That would most keenly reach his heart, and stingj 

Then he, (who'd power in distant, after daysj* 
By his own beastly instrument to raise, 
With great delusion, flaming fire that then 
Fell down from heaven in the sight of men, 
Made coruscations in the air, on high. 
Or fire that flash'd with terror in the sky. 
Which on Job's flock, like awful lightening Hew, 
And all the sheep of his wide pastures slew. 

While they in fear, and sorrow, wondring standi 
At the first message of the Sabean band. 
Another entered with surprise, to tell, 
*' The fire of God fsays he) from heaven fell, 
The streaming flames have just consum'd the sheep, 
And all the servants who the flocks did keep, 
I only am escap'd alone (says he) 
"To tell the news of this distress to thee." 

While he was speaking, in there rush'd a third, 
And in addition brings the good man word, 
"The plund'ring Chaldeans, in the east that dwell, 
Made three strong bands, and on us rudely fell, 
They took the camels from the verdant plain, 
The servants also with the sword are slain, 



* Rev. xiii. 13. 



THE LIFE OF JOB. 17|* 

I only am escaped alone, (says he) 

To tell the news of this distress to thee." 

Thus Job was stript of all his substance great. 
He who that morn, was like a prince in state, 
The richest man in all the eastern clime, 
Ere night, perhaps, the poorest in his time ; 
Yet he through all in patience firm remain'd, 
Without a murmur, ev'ry loss sustained. 

These doleful strokes could not o'erthrow the strong,. 
Unshaken hero of my humble song; 
Apoll)on fixt to give a shock more dire 
Than Sabean plunder, or the flashing fire. 
This Prince of War, and of the air then raised 
A wild tornado, that all hearts amaz'd, 
It smote the house of mirth and feasting then, 
And slew Job's children, sons and daughters ten. 

That Job might have no respite or relief, 
One moment to digest his present grief, 
Another messenger, with great surprise, 
Came rushing in, to mourning Job, and cries, 
" Thy sons and daughters all were drinking wine. 
And eating with the eldest son of thine ; 
A whirlwind from the wilderness remote, 
The strong four corners of the dwelling smote— ^ 
The house then fell, where all thy children fed, 
And lo ! the young men and the maids are dead! 
I only am escap'd alone,'' (says he) 
To tell the news of this distress to thee !" 

Thisreach'd, indeed, this keenly wounding stroke, 
Almost his nature, and his judgment broke : 
Afflicted man ! at once great grief abounds, 
His children's death, his nature sorely wounds ; 
At circumstances of this awful stroke, 
His judgment's lost— his heart is almost broke; 
He view'd his children unprepared to meet 
The awful Judge, at his dread judgment seat. 
Yet did not Job, (as they were now no more) 
Burnt-off'rings offer, as he'd done before ; 
Was not for them to make atonements led, 
Nor expiations, seeing they were dead. 



174 THE LIFE OP JOB. 

The scholar's learning and the poet's pen, 

Cannot describe his dire condition then ; 

His doleful case — behold him cover'd o'er, 

With blotches, boils, and blains, one filthy sore, 

Rais'd by Apollyon to a height extreme, 

If possible to drive Job to blaspheme. 

His povv'r was great, and while he had the reins, 

Job underwent the most exquisite pains, 

A state of sore and deep unrivall'd grief, 

One lingering scene — one pang without relief. 

His horrid foulness, and the nauseous scent. 
Did much his case of misery augment ; 
Was loath'd and shunn'd by ev'ry person round. 
No relative or friend with him was found ; 
His menial servants all from him depart, 
And leave him void of human help, to smart. 
Of this he in his mourning sore complains, 
In bitter accents, and in moving strains : 
" My old acquaintance are from me estrang'd, 
My kinsfolk have their countenances chang'd, 
Familiar friends away from me are gone, 
And those who long liv'd in my house withdrawn ; 
I'm like a stranger by my maids esteem'd, 
And as an alien in their sight am deem'd : 
I caird my servant, in distress, for aid, 
Tho' I entreated, he no answer made ; 
I crave the hour, when time to me shall cease. 
From my afflictions then I'll get release." 

The greatest man in all the eastern world, 
Behold him sitting, weeping, mourning, hurlM 
From honour, pow'r, and from great opulence. 
To greater want, affliction more intense ! 
Before whom once, young men their faces hide. 
His look majestic they could not abide : 
The elders rose and stood upon their feet, 
Him with respect and reverence to treat : 
Great princes would from conversation cease, 
And nobles in his presence hold their peace : 
Behold him now with ulcers cover'd o'er, 
.And grievpus boils, united in one sore ; 



THE LIFE OF JOB. 

In ashes sitting, making there his moan ; 
The foulest human object ever known. 
Thus he thro' scenes unparallel'd was led, 
*' A dunghill on a dunghill/' one has said. 

Then he who lied to Eve in days of yore, 
AllurM Job's wife yet to afflict him more. 
^* Dost thou still thine integrity retain, 
Curse God and die ;" to serve the Lord is vain. 
Cast off thy rev'rence and thy love of Gud — 
Curse him who lays on thee his iron rod ; 
The austere master, who has dealt so hard, 
Although for it thou be of life debarr'd. 

He could not be by her vile counsel mov'd, 
To her rcply'd, in patience tryM and prov'd, 
*' Thou speakest like a woman quite un.vise ; 
A foolish woman, evil to devise ; 
Shall we receive the good that's granted us, 
When evil comes, the great Jehovah curse ?'* 

Here he his firm integrity retain'd. 
His patience quite invincible remained, 
So that the loss of all his vast estate — 
His children's death, and his affliction great, 
Occasion'd by extremity of pains, 
And deep distress, while Satan had the reins— 
His friend's unkindness and ingratitude — 
His servants all irreverent and rude ; 
Nor provocation of his bosom friend, 
Could draw from him one sentence to offend. 

In that vast country did three friends reside. 
From Job a distance, from each other wide : 
These men and he had been, in times of state^ 
In habits of an intimacy great. 
Eliphaz one, the Temanite we trace, 
From feman, who we find of Esau's race.* 
Bildad the Shuhite, sprung from ancient Shuah,f 
The youngest son of \bra'm by Keturah. 
The third call'd Zophar, the Naamathite, 
To tell his race is not so easy quite ; 

* Gea. xxxvi. 10, 11. t Gen. xxv. 2. 



175 



174 THE LIFE OF JOB. 

The scholar's learning and the poet's pen, 
Cannot describe his dire condition then ; 
His doleful case — behold him cover'd o'er, 
"With blotches, boils, and blains, one filthy sore, 
Rais^'d by Apollyon to a height extreme, 
If possible to drive Job to blaspheme. 
His pow'r was great, and while he had the reins. 
Job underwent the most exquisite pains, 
A state of sore and deep unrivall'd grief, 
One lingering scene — one pang without relief. 

His horrid foulness, and the nauseous scent, 
Did much his case of misery augment ; 
Was loath'd and shunn'd by ev'ry person round. 
No relative or friend with him was found ; 
His menial servants all from him depart, 
And leave him void of human help, to smart. 
Of this he in his mourning sore complains, 
In bitter accents, and in moving strains : 
" My old acquaintance are from me estrang'd, 
My kinsfolk have their countenances chang'd, 
Familiar friends away from me are gone, 
And those who long liv'd in my house withdrawn ; 
I'm like a stranger by my maids esteem'd, 
And as an alien in their sight am deem'd : 
I call'd my servant, in distress, for aid, 
Tho' I entreated, he no answer made ; 
I crave the hour, when time to me shall cease, 
From my afflictions then I'll get release." 

The greatest man in all the eastern world, 
Behold him sitting, weeping, mourning, hurlM 
From honour, pow'r, and from great opulence, 
To greater want, affliction more intense ! 
Before whom once, young men their faces hide, 
His look majestic they could not abide : 
The elders rose and stood upon their [eet^ 
Him with respect and reverence to treat : 
Great princes would from conversation cease, 
And nobles in his presence hold their peace : 
Behold him qow with ulcers cover'd o'er, 
/ .And grievpus boils, united in one sore ; 



THE LIFE OF JOB. l?'^ 

In ashes sitting, making there his moan ; 
The foulest human object ever known. 
Thus he thro' scenes unparallel'd was led, 
'*' A dunghill on a dunghill,'' one has said. 

Then he who lied to Eve in days of yore, 
Allur'd Job's wife yet to afflict him more. 
** Dost thou still thine integrity retain, 
Curse God and die ;" to serve the Lord is vain. 
Cast off thy rev'rence and thy love of God — 
Curse him who lays on thee his iron rod ; 
The austere master, who has dealt so hard, 
Although for it thou be of life debarr'd. 

He could not be by her vile counsel mov'd, 
To her reply 'd, in patience try'd and prov'd, 
*' Thou speakest like a woman quite un.vise ; 
A foolish woman, evil to devise : 
Shall we receive the good that's granted us, 
When evil comes, the great Jehovah curse f* 

Here he his firm integrity retain'd. 
His patience quite invincible remain'd, 
So that the loss of all his vast estate — 
His children's death, and hi*^ affliction great, 
Occasion'd by extremity of pains, 
And deep distress, while Satan had the reins— 
His friend's unkindness and ingratitude — 
His servants all irreverent and rude ; 
Nor provocation of his bosom friend, 
Could draw from him one sentence to offend. 

In that vast country did three friends reside. 
From Job a distance, from each other wide : 
These men and he had been, in times of state^ 
In habits of an intimacy great. 
Eliphaz one, the Temanite we trace, 
From feman, who we find of Esau's race.* 
Bildad the Shuhite, sprung from ancient Shuah,f 
The youngest son of \bra'm by Keturah. 
The third call'd Zophar, the Naamathite, 
To tell his race is not so easy quite ; 

• Gen. xxxvi. 10, 11. t Gen. xxv. 2. 



176 THE LIFE OP JOB. 

Some men of learning, it is said, incline 
To think he also was of Esau's line. 
V/henthey had heard of Job's afflictions sorCj 
Such as the wurld had never known before, 
Tliey in deep feeling sympathy were led, 
To visit, mourn, and comfort him, 'tis said. 

'i hese three were men of consequence of old; 
The Sepiuagint calls them kings, we're told ; 
A length of time it doubtless then must take. 
After their knowledge of his state, to make 
Th' appointment, fix the time and place to meet; 
And then to travel to his mourning seat. 
That many a day poor Job his sores bad borne, 
And grievous pains, left all alone to mourn, 
And many a night, remote from joy or cheer, 
Before these three condoling friends appear. 

When they arriv'd, where they could see hisface^ 
And found him seated in his mourning place, 
Awhile attention to the scene they lend, 
Before they know their lov'd and valu'd friejnd. 
But on advancing, with a solemn pace, 
They were astonish'd at his doleful case ; 
They wept aloud — they mourn'd with joint consentj' 
And each in twain bib cu&tly mantle rent. 
They then were in their depth of sorrow led,. 
Each one to sprinkle dust upon his head ; 
Him in a state of grief intense they found, 
And lo ! they sat down by him on the ground., 
His woful case in silence to condole ; 
None spake a woni, for pain and grief of souf. 
Seven days and nights they thus in silence wait^ 
Because his grief was so intensely great. 

At length, poor Job, this long sad silence broke^ 
With grief of heart in mournful accents spoke : 
" Let the day perish wherein I was born. 
That darksome night or inauspicious morn, 
When they with joy and cheerfulness proclaim'd, 
A child is born, a son is to be nam'd. 
Lo ! let that day by darkness long be known, 
And let not God regard it frond his throne ; 



THE LIFE OP JOB. 177 

Let gloom be there, and death's most awful shade, 
And over it a heavy cloud be laid ! 
Why's light bestow'd upon a man whose way 
Is hedg'd around, and hid from day to day ? 
Before I eat my morsel, comes my sighs; 
Poui'd out in torrents are my doleful cries !'' 

These friends of Job, who much for him were pain'dj 
An ill opinion of him entertain'd ; 
They had concluded from his woful ^tate, 
Which human powers can languidly relate, 
That he was guilty of some heinous sin. 
Or deep hypocrisy must reign within ; 
That h^ for it endur'd the iron rod, 
And heavy judgments of the angry God. 
Their vain opinion they presumed to tell, 
And on poor Job in heavy accents fell : 
Declared indeed, that such distress must be 
The consequence of God's supreme decree j 
The perfect justice of Omnipotence, 
Can never punish where there's no offence ; 
To punish or chastise without a cause, 
Is inconsistent with impartial laws. 

Such premises apparently were true, 
Yet an erroneous consequence they drew. 
That Job must be at enmity with God, 
A grievous sinner thus to feel the rod ; 
Or in him deep hypocrisy must dwell, 
To cause his sufT rings to this height to swell. 
They in their turns, and in a style sublime, 
Long labour'd to convince him of his crime. 

So men may err, who tell of reason's guide, 
Pretend* to reason, yet they wander wide 
From rectitude, and wisdom from above, 
The system of pure universal love. 
To you I call ! O young and old attend, 
Nor eye nor ear to lying systems lend! 

Job stood with firmness in his own defence 
Assur'd, indeed, of his own innocence, 
His hands were clean, his faithful heart upright, 
Before the Lord who sees with perfect sight. 



178 THE LIFE OF JOB. 

♦■ 

To their false charges he would never yield, 
!Nor in this contest, give them up the field ; 
Would not acknowledge he had guilt or sin, 
Full well assur'd that he had none within. 
With manly firmness and great eloquence, 
He stood his ground, maintained his innocence, 
Did them refute and his own cause defend, 
And their great want of kindness reprehend. 

As they would not, in their long speeches spare^ 
But sharp reflections adde.d here and there ^ 
Their ironies and censures were severe, 
And bitter taunts were rigid and austere ; 
Unlike true comforters poor Job abus'd ; 
Freedom of speech to them he likewise us'd. 
And gave them pinching repartees indeed, 
ReprovM them sharply, when they stood in need | 
Yet he observed an humble reverence. 
When he spoke of or to Omnipotence. 
But knowing not the secret aim and end. 
Nor what his Maker could to him intend. 
In snif'ring trials .so intensely great, 
To fall like mountains, with their crushing weight. 
He often begg'd from life to have release, 
U'hat so his pain and misery might cease ; 
Lest he might thro' afflictions, sore and great, 
From patience and from meekness deviate. 

Some of Job's lofty sentiments sublime 
And mournful language, in this painful time, 
Are here selected, and are tuin d to rhyme. 

O that I now, as in months past could be,* • 
As in the days when God protected me j 
When his biight candle shone upon my head, 
And by liislight thro' darkness I was led : 
As I was joyful in my youthful days, 
Feeling the secret of his inward rays ; 

* Job ixi», 



THE LIFE OF JOB. 170 

When the Almighty was with me in truth, 

My children I could see in blooming youth, 

When I had butter, corn, and wine in store, 

When oil in rivers from the rock would pour : 

When 1 went thro' the city, in the street, 

Hard by the portal I prepared my seat ; 

When young men saw me, hide themselves they would; 

The aged rose — upon their feet they stood : 

The princes then from their discourse refrained, 

And nobles paused, and silently remained. 

The ear that heard, for me would blessings crave,^ 
The eye that saw me, a true witness gave, 
Because 1 had the fatherless relieved — 
The poor that cry'd for succour, I received ; 
The indigent to me would blessings bring, 
I caus'd for joy the widow's heart to sing : 
I aided those who cry'd in deep distress, 
I then was cloth'd with peace and righteousness/ 

My judgment, as a diadem, was deem'd 
Eyes to the blind, feet to the lame esteem'd ; 
Unto the poor I was a father sure, 
I search'd out causes hidden and obscure. 
I broke the jaws, and plucked away the spoilj 
From him who liv'd in wickedness to toil. 

J thought my days as sand would multiply, 
In my pavilion I shall surely die. 
My root was widely by the waters spread, 
My branches richly, with the dew, were fed ; 
My glory was with vigour fresh sustain'd. 
My bow renewed, safe in my hand remained : 
To me men listenM with attention deep, 
And at my counsel they would silence keep ; 
After my words ihey would not speak, is true. 
My speech fell on them like the morning dew; 
They waited for me, which was not in vain, 
With open moutft, as for the latter rain : 
I chose their way and sat with them as chief, 
As one that comforts mv)urners gave relief; 
Their way by me was* pointed out to them — 
I sat as one that wore a diadeai. 



180 THE LIFE OF JOB. 

But now, those who are younger much than I,* 
Deride me vainly? and against me cry ; 
Whose fathers 1 would not permit to keep, 
With dogs that watch'd my fleecy flocks of sheep : 
For want and famine, they in their distress, 
Were solitary in the wilderness. 
They fled forth to the lonely wild in haste, 
In former time all desolate and waste ; 
They mallows cut in their distress to eat, 
And also roots of juniper for meat. 
Lo ! they were driven far from men aside, 
As after thieves, at them the people cry'd. 

And now behold, I am their song they choose, 
Yea, I'm the by-word they in scorning use : 
They spare not now to spit upon my face, 
They me abhor, and flee away apace ; 
Because my cord is loos'd, I'm sorely try'd. 
They loose the bridle, and my state deride. 

Upon my right hand rise the indiscreet, 
The graceless youth, and push away my feet ; 
Means of destruction they against me raise. 
They mar my path, they much impede my ways; 
They have no helper, or propitious guide, 
They canie upon me as a breaking wide, 
Of waters in a desolating hour, 
They rolfd on me with overflowing pow'r : 
Great terrors on me turn'd without controul, 
Fierce as the whirlwind they pursue my soul; 
My welfare passeth as a cloud away, 
Or as the dew at Sol's bright morning ray. 

And now my soul is poured out to thee, 
Afilictions sore have taken hold on me ; 
My bones are plerc'd within me, in the night, 
My painful sinews can no rest invite : 
By tbe disease, this putrid body o'er, 
My garments cbang'd, and now it binHs me sore. 
Into the mire, behold he hath me cast, 
Like dust and ashes I'm become at last ; 

* Job XXX. 



THE LIFE Of job. ISl 

To Ihee I cry, and oh, thou dost not hear! 
To thee I look, and thou wilt not appear ! 
Become now distant — with thy pow'rful hand, 
Thou dost oppose me and against me stand. 
1 look'd for good, but evil came with might, 
Thick darkness spread when I was seeking; light ^ 
My bowels boil'd, and I could get no rest, 
Affliction's days do me of joys divest. 

I mourning'went when clouds the sunshine veird, 
In the assembly my sad state bewail'd. 
I'm as companion to the owls exil'd, 
And brother to the dragons of the wild. 
Behold my skin is black from crown to feet, 
My bones are burnt with an incessant heat ; 
My tuneful harp is turn'd to weeping sore, 
My organ to the mourner's doleful roar. 

Behold,! call from mis'ry's gloomy shade,* 
I cry aloud, but oh ! there's none to aid ; 
I cannot pass, for he hath fenc'd my way, 
The gloom of darkness set instead of day ; 
Of glory stript me, and hath brought me down, 
And from my head he took away the crown. 

My inward friends abhorrence have commenc'dj 
They whom 1 lov'd, against me are incens'd ; 
My flesh and skin now cleave unto my bone^ 
In my distress but few do me bemoan. 
O that my words were written now by men, 
That they were graven with an iron pen, 
That they were printed in some sacred page,, 
Or cut in rock, to last an endless age. 

I surely know that my Redeemer dear. 
Now lives, and shall some future day appear ; 
And tho' the worms upon this body feed, 
Yet I shall see the Deity indeed ; 
Shall see the King of whom the ancients told, 
For my own self, mine eyes shall him behold. 

Mark me astonish'd, and with wonder stand,t 
And lay upon your silent mouth your hand ; 

* Jobxix. 7, t Jobxsi. 5. 



1S2 THE LIFE OP JOB. 

When I remember I am sore afraid, 

My flesh oft trembles when my fears pervade. 

Why live the wicked to an age that's great? 
They're high in pow'r and wealthy in estate ; 
Their children are established in their sight, 
Thev aggrandize their offspring with delight. 
Their houses safe from danger or alarm, 
The rod of God is not on them, nor harm ; 
Their little ones, like flocks of sheep, advance, 
Abroad they send them, and their children dance 5 
They take the timbrel, and in mirth abound, 
Rejoicing in the harp and organ's sound— 
Their days in wealth and jollity they spend. 
And in a moment to the grave descend : 
Therefore to God, depart from us they say, 
For we desire no knovi^ledge of chy way ; 
What's the Almighty, should we him revere? 
What profit have we, if we pray or fear ? 

But I shall not for wicked counsel plead, 
For they alas! are insecure indeed : 
Altho' sometimes they rise to wealth and migjjt, 
Yet often is their candle put out quite. 
Pestruction swiftly comes, without relief, 
Upon the wicked, liar, cheat, and thief. 
Calamitv and sorrows them aw^ait — 
In anger God diffuses judgments great. 
As stubble is before the wind are they, 
And as the chaff the whirlwind drives away. 

Shall mortal man presume beyonghis reach, 
And God in wisdom and in knowledge leach r 
Seeing he judgeth those aloft who rise, 
In his full strength, at ease a person dies. 
Another falls in heart-felt bitterness, 
Who never ate with pleasure, but distress: 
They both lie down alike in dust, at last. 
On them the worms shall make a rich repast. 

Hell's bare to Him, who boundless space surveys^* 
The depth to Him who form'd all nature ways ; 

* Job sxvi. Q.. 



THE LIFE OF JOB. 183 

An empty place the north he stretcheth o'er 

And hangs the earth where nothing was before. 

He holds his Throne, its face he covers o'er, 

There spreads his cloud, where man cannot explor^e, 

Waters with bounds he hath secur'd with might, 

Until an end come to the day and night : 

Makes pillars of the high espanse to shake, 

And the foundations of the earth to quake^ 

Astonish'd at his wonderful decrees ! 

He with his pow'r divides the mighty seas. 

The proud will he by understanding smite, 

The heavens garnish with his glorious light. 

Lo! thes<? are parts of his superior ways, 

Let this small portion our great wonder raise, 

But his most awful, thundering pow'r amaze. 

There is a vein where silver's found, most sure,* 
A place for gold, to make it still more pure : 
There is a path wherein no fowl can fly, 
'Tis not discern'd by keenest vulture's eye. 
The lion's whelps this way have never found, 
Nor the fierce lion ever trod the ground. 
Upon the rock he pufteth forth his hand, 
The mountains overturn at his command ; 
He binds the floods, or man is overflown ; 
The thino- that bid, he letteth it be known. 

But where shall wisdom infinite be found ^ 
And understanding, tell me where abound ? 
The price thereof no earthly man can know, 
Nor is it found upon this region low. 
The depth declares, 'tis not obtain'd in me, 
Nor in my bounds, proclaims the rolling sea. 
It can't be gotten for high valu'dgold. 
Neither shall it for silver bright be sold. 
The gold of Ophir don't with it compare, 
Nor precious onyx, nor blue sapphire, rare; 
It is not equall'd by the crystal bright. 
No, nor exchang'd for jewels that delight. 
Speak not of coral, costly pearls, or spice, 
Above fair rubies ^ true wisdom's price. 

Jobxxviii. 1, 



194 THE LIFE OP JOB. 

For vala'd topaz, it shall not be sold, 

Nor yet exchang d for Ophir s purest gold : 

Whence then comes wisdom, whence shall it proceed f 
And understanding, where's the place indeed f 
3ince it is hid from ev'ry human eye, 
And clos-d from all the airy fowls that fly. 
Death and destruction in their turns proclaim, 
With our own ears, lo ! we have heard its fame ; 
God understands the way, and where it flows, 
The place thereof, and its deep source he knows 5 
For he beholds with penetrating eyes, 
The earth, the heavens, and ethereal skies 5 
Can wonders do — can weigh the flowing breeze, 
The waters measure, and the mighty seas. 
Lo ! He decreed (let men and angels wonder) 
A way for rain, for lightning and for thunder. 
He searched it out, yea, wisdom He prepared, 
Behold he saw it, and to man declar'd 
True wisdom is the fear of God within, 
And understanding's to depart from sin. 

What is the portion from the Lord, I cry ? 
Or what inher'tance from the Kin^ on high ? 
Is not destruction to the wicked sure ? 
And must not they a punishment endure ? 
Doth not my Maker clearly see my ways, 
Count steps, view words, and action all my days. 
If I have in vain idols e'er believ'd, 
Or if I have the credulous deceiv'd, 
(Let me be in an even balance weigh'd, 
My heart be known, for I am not afraid.) 

If I refus'd my servants' cause to- hear. 
From his petition turn'd avv^ay mine ear — 
If I have holden from the poor that cries, 
Or caus'd to fail the widow's mournful eyes — 
If I have eat my morsel when alone. 
And have not listen'd to the orphan's moan. 
(Lo ! he was brought up with me from my youth, 
The widow have 1 guided of a truth.) 

If I in blindness after wealth have grop'd, 
Or in the shining, golden wedge have hop'd — 



THE LIFE OF JOB, 185 

If I have been so void of wisdom quite, 

To say to gold, thou art my chief delight— 

If I rejoic'd because of wealth immense, 

Or if elated by great opulence : 

Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder bladc^ 

Be broke to pieces, and all verdure fade. 

When I beheld the sun with sparkling light. 
Or saw the moon, like silver, shining bright ; 
If that in secret, e'er my heart hath won. 
To pay devotion to the moon or sun ; 
I then should sure have lost my glowing love — 
Should have deny'd the God that is above. 

If 1 rejoic'd, or e'er was glad to see 
The ruin of the man who hated me ; 
Or lifted up myself when evil found, 
Him in his mischief, and did him surround. 
Neither have I, sin suffer'd to control 
My mouth, by wishing misVy to his soul. 
The stranger took not lodging in the street, 
The traveler in my dvvelhng found a seat, 

l( I like Adam, cover'd o'er my sin, 
By hiding mine iniquity within — 
U I did from the golden way depart^ 
Or vainly stray from rectitude of heart, 
Then may I sow and let another eat. 
And let my race be rooted from my seat. 
Instead of wheat with which the land was crown'd. 
Let thorns and thistles overspread the ground — 
Por barley fine, the plains so ricbly yield, 
Let cockle grow, r-id choke the fertile field. 

Here Job's expressive lamentations end, 
To his narration we will now attend. 

When Job had silenc'd these three reasoning men, 
Up rose Elihu, who was present then, 
Who their discourses on both sides had heard. 
With zealous warmth against them all appear "4, 
'Gainst Job because (as he his words appli'di), 
Rather than God, himself had justified ; 

17 



186 THE LIFE OP JOB. 

Against his friends, since they had laboured long; 
Yet Job was not convicted once of wrong : 
That after they could rudely him impeach, 
Give him the honour of the closing speech. 

This youth, well of the risk he run apprized, 
1For breaking silence he apologiz'd, 
And his attempt grave ancient men to teach, 
And also for the plainness of his speech ; 
Desiring they would not expect that he, 
Men's persons would accept, or partial be ; 
If flatt'ring titles he to men should give, 
His Maker would refuse to let him live. - 

" Since you are old. and 1 am yet so young, 
Thro' modest fear, I held my silent tongue : 
I said that years, and multitude of days. 
Should speak the truth, and utter wisdom's ways; 
Yet there's a spirit in man's heart that lives, 
God's inspiration there true wisdom gives. 
Great men are not in wisdom always found. 
Nor have the elders always judgment sound : 
God speaks to man, once, twice, 'tis soon forgot ; 
Or inattentive, he perceives it not : 
In dreams, in visions of the night he's led, 
In deepest sleep and slumb'rings on the bed : 
JLo ! then he opens the deaf ears of men, 
And sealeth to them their instruction then, 
That he who can the earth and heavens span, 
May draw from sin, and pride remove from man." 

The youth proceeds ; all listen to the theme, 
By arguments, well drawn from powV supreme, 
God's sov'reignty, without a line to bound, 
And wisdom we can never search or sound, 
Which may produce some deep mysterious end, 
Man's feeble pow'rs can never comprehend ; 
May yet unfold some hidden consequence. 
Above the reach of man's intelligence. 
That with God's justice, it may well agree. 
And is consistent with the Deity, 
To lay his trying and afflicting hand. 
Upon the men most righteovis in the land. 



THE LIFE OF JOB. 18? 

Therefore it is the duty then of all, 
To bear such exercises when they fall, 
Without complaining, or a murm'ring sin, 
And to acknowledge, God is just thejein. 

Job sat attentive, with both ear and eye. 
To this bright youth, and made him no reply : 
He probably before would less have said, 
When he to answer his three friends was led, 
And that less subject to exception then, 
Had he not been so treated by the men ; 
By their reflections, quite unjust, unkind, 
Whereby instead of comforters, we find. 
They prov'd tormentors, in his deep distress ; 
Unguardedly this caus'd him to express 
Some sentiments that were not duly weigh'd, 
And which against him in the contest made. 

When this sublime, and long debate was done ; 
All hush'd to silence, then the Lord begun : 
Jehovah comes — the dread of human pride, 
Not to debate, but the dispute decide. 
The whirlwinds roar, and awful light'nings blaze, 
Announce his coming, and all hearts amaze ; 
All creatures quake, as he approaches nigh, 
At the bright blaze of bis all-seeing eye, 
The stateliness of human pride, and all 
Disguises and delusive colourings fall : 
And vanity, by human knowledge taught, 
All sink to their original, to nought. 
The man of knowledge, understanding bright, 
Who view'd his station in superior light, 
Who fain above his humble sphere would reach—' 
The glorious and the great Jehovah teach, 
Is now struck insignificant and mean, 
And quite confounded at the awful scene. 

This crisis could no human eye foresee ; 
The Lord appears in awful majesty ; 
With pow'r supreme, to speak, instruct, and teaclij 
And from the whirlwind he directs his speech ; 
Wherein forth setting his own consequence, 
Infinite wisdom, and omnipotence. 



iS8 THE LIFE OP ^OB. 

In forming and disposing all he made, 
When the foundations of the world he laid. 

He form d the earth, the seas, and fishes then, 
Inferior creatures and superior men ; 
Suns, moons, and worlds, in boundless space that roll, 
A glorious, wondrous workmanship the whole. 

Job was convinc'd and fully made to see, 
His weakness, blindness, inability ; 
Of his own self, to understand the ways, 
Of the All- A wing Judge of ancient days : 
That he in awful, deep submission broke 
Forth, in a sense of human vileness spoke : 
'^Behold ! I'm vile, what shall 1 answer thee ? 
My hand upon my silent mouth shall be*— 
I once have spokt n, but I'll speak no more, 
Nor yet proceed," as I have done before. 

When afterwards the High and Holy One, 
His most sublime, and awful speech had done. 
Job fully granted the supremacy^ 
And boundless wisdom of the Deity. 
He with a mind, most deeply bow'd and weighed. 
To this effect his humble answer made : 
" I know that thou canst ev'ry purpose do, 
And that all things are open to thy view, 
Well might'st thou ask, who counsel could obscure. 
By words without the knowledge that is pure ; 
To thee for counsel I an ear will lend, 
I've utter'd more than I could comprehend ; 
Some things too deep and wonderful for me, 
Which I knew not — henceforth I'll learn of thee. 
Of thee I've heard with my external ear, 
But now 1 have obtain'd a sight more clear — 
More cogent than the sound of words, that fail'd. 
For now mine eye thy glory views unveil'd. 
Lo ! I repent — abhor myself, for all 
I've said amiss — in dust and ashes fall.'' 

This humble, meek, and free acknowledgement, 
Well pleas'd the King who is omnipotent : 
He, like a just, impartial judge, defends 
Poor Job against his three censorious friends^. 



THE LIFE OF JOB. 389 

Then to Eliphaz, Temanite, said he, 

" My wrath is kindled 'gainst thy friends and thee, 

The thing that's right hath not been spoke by you. 

As it hath been by Job, my servant true. 

Take seven bullocks, seven rams — arise, ; 

And go to Job, and offer sacrifice, 

That an atonement you may make this day. 

And Job, my servant, then for you shall pray ; 

For I will hear when he shall intercede, 

Lest I treat you according to your deed. 

You have not spoke of me the thing that's right, 

Like Job, my servant," worthy in my sight. 

Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, soon obey'd. 
And Job an humble intercession made. 
'Twas wonderful ! for them he pray'd with pow^r. 
The Lord turn'd his captivity that hour ! 
His suff'rings then, as in an instant ceas'd, 
From his afflictions, lo ! he was releas'd ! 

Shout morning stars, and all the earth for joy. 
The adversary can no more annoy, 
Nor hurt one hair, so much as touch the robe 
Of him, the meek, and truly patient Job. 

With health and honour, and with riches bless'd> 
God gave him double what he ere possess'd, 
So that his flock was fourteen thousand sheep, 
Six thousand camels — marvellous to keep ; 
His ploughs were by two thousand oxen drawn, 
One thousand asses pastur'd on the lawn ! 

Job's brethren and his sisters to him rame, 
When they of his deliv'rance heard the fame, 
His kindred and acquaintance, as before, 
Renew'd their friendship now with him once more; 
They came to him, rejoic'd without alloy, 
And in his house partook the bread of joy ; 
Esteem'd hiai 4;ruly, and his favour sought, 
And much enricb'dhim by the presents brought. 
And more than this, to comfort him we see, 
He'd seven sons, and also daughters three ; 
And none were found among tlie eastern fair, 
Who for their beauty would with them compare* 



190 THE LIFE OF JOB. 

And after this, it by the text appears. 
He liv'd one hundred and fuH forty years, 
And saw (ere he on earth was known no more) 
His sons, and race, to generations four. 
Then found from all the toils of time release ; 
Slept with his fathers, full of days and peace. 

And now my muse would almost take a flight". 
This Epitaph upon his tomb to write. 



EPITAPH. 

Here lies the great and celebrated Job, 
For patience firm, unrivall'd on the globe : 
Who trod affliction's dreary path alone, 
Whom Satan prov'd, with cruelties unknown ; 
Stript him of children, and of wealth immense, 
Left him to mourn, in poverty intense ; 
O'erspread with boils, and grievous blains, in pain, 
Too much for human nature to sustain. 
It was the wicked adversary's aim. 
To make Job curse the great Creator's name ; 
But lo ! his schemes and ev'ry effort fail'd, 
O'er all his pow'r the patient man prevail'd : 
Altho' he drank the dregs of Satan's cup, 
A Hand divine, and gracious, held him up. 

He was at length from Satan's chain released, 
The hour was joyful, his afflictions ceas'd : 
Behold him now with wealth and honour crown'd— 
With all the w<»rthies of the earth renown'd. 
At last his soul, from time revolvings free, 
Prepai 'd for peace and immortality ; 
Pass'd to the long sought city of the blest, 
la triumph there eternally to rest. 



THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 1^1 

THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 



When Israel sought the promis'd land to gaii^ 
They pitch'd awhile on Moab's verdant plain ; 
They had some signal victories obtain'd, 
And now to rest near Jordan's stream remained. 
The people round beheld the army great, 
Knew how they'd slain the Amorites of late. 
The sight of such a potent army near, 
Put Balak, who was Moab's king in fear ; 
And knowing he could not of numbers boast, 
Was sore afraid of Israel's mighty host. 

Thus Balak straiten'd, on this method falls. 
He Midian's elders into council calls, 
And notice of the common danger gave — 
Consulted how they might the country save. 
When they awhile had close attention paid, 
The king and council this conclusion made. 
That he should faithful messengers depute. 
And send to Balaam, then in high repute, 
Him by persuasion, and by hire obtam, 
To come and curse the people on the plain ; 
In hopes thereby, in some propitious hour, 
To conquer them he might obtain the power. 

This Balaam with such dignity was view'd, 
For powers with which they thought he was endu'd, 
That they supposed and unto him confess'd, 
That every one whom he should bless, was bless'd ; 
And which was yet of their delusions worse, 
That every one was cursed, he should curse. 

The council then selected out a few 
Of Moab's princes, and of Miiiian's too; 
Together on an enibassy tht-y join, 
To go to their great favourite divine. 
So on they went to Balaam's distant land, 
With pay for divination in their hand, 
Believing this would likely him obtain, 
Tlity knew he was extremely fond of gaitj. 



192 THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 

'Twas this indeed, that made him forward pies^j 
He lov'd the wages of unrighteousness. 
Yet when they had arriv'd to him and told 
1 he message from their troubldking, behold I 
He could not with the monarch's views accord. 
Till he had first consulted with the Lord. 

To try how he the theme would represent, 
On which king Balak had the princes sent, 
God queried of him ere the morning light, 
'' What men are those who lodge with thee this night ?" 
'* Some," he repli'd, " whom Balak, Moab's king. 
Hath sent to me, a message here to bring, 
That there's from Egypt come a num'rous race, 
That covers all the earth's extended face : 
That his distress and fear is great, indeed, 
He wishes me to come to him with speed, 
And curse that people — though a mighty host, 
He hopes he then can drive them from his coast." 

The Lord in answer fully let him know 
The will divine — " Thou shalt not with them go ; 
That people there must unmolested rest. 
Thou shalt not curse them, for behold they're blest .''** 

Balaam well knowing how unsafe, absurd, 
Twould be to go against the Master's word, 
Rose in the morn of the succeeding day, 
And sent king Balak's messengers away : 
" Depart again to your own land, for true, 
The Lord refus'd to let me go with you.'' 

The princes then return unto their king, 
And to him they misrepresent the thing : 
I »^tead ot telling plainly as they ought, 
Wliat Balaam bad in his plain answer taught, 
That God refus'd to let him couie, behold ! 
That Balaam would not come, with them, they told» 

From such an answer Balak n»ight suppose 
The number, or the quality of those 
He sent, might not ambitious Balaam please, 
Or else, too small the value of tlie fees : 
For he forthwith sent on, to please his pride, 
A greater number, and more dignifi'd, 



THE LIFE OP BALAAM. 193 

Than werie the first, and with proposals higher. 
To gratify his ravenous desire. 
The message was, " Let nothing hinder thee, 
By any means from coming now to me ; 
I'Jl thee promote to honour very great, 
I'll do for thee just what thou shalt dictate : 
Be pleas'd, therefore, to come without delay, 
And this great people curse for me, I pray." 

By Balaam's answer, we at once may find 
What was the ruling temper of his mind ; 
He did not say, 1 hate the work in view, 
And therefore have no mind to go with you : 
" Would Balak give me (were the words he told) 
His house all full of silver and of gold^ 
I cannot go at all beyond the word, 
Of Him who is the overruling Lord." 

The high command was absolutely thus, 
" Thou shalt not go — shall not the people curse :" 
The Lord upon him a restraiiiat had laid, . 
He fain would go — ^^to go he was afraid. 
So anxiously he crav'd the great reward. 
He thought, perhaps, he could persuade the Lord,^ 
To break his word, to alter his decree ; 
To curse the people, grant him liberty. 
Therefore he mildly on the princes fawns. 
Prays them to wait until the morning dawns, 
To be infornrd yet, what the Lord would say, 
Who'd given him command the other day. 
This nought was else but boldly tempting Godj- 
And those who do it may expect the rod ; 
Displeas'd therefore, he left him to fulfil, 
And follow his own blind and greedy will. 

So he once dealt in aftertime with Jews, 
When they did his own government refuse ; 
When they to be like nations round, aspir'd, 
Would have a king — he gave what they desir'dv 
When he could not them to obedience bring,, 
He in displeasure gave the Jews a king."* 

* Hoseaiiii. 11. 



194 THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 

At times, when men refus'd to hear his voice^ 
He gave them up to fnllow their own choice. 
Aslhey by vain anH carnal kisls were led, 
And in their own delusive paths to tread "f 
Jnst so it doth by sacred writ appear. 
He dealt with ibis great money- Inver here : 
He'd given Balaam the command divine — 
The greedy man wuuld not his will resign, 
But try'd to get the sacred word revok'd, 
The Lord by his gross impudence provok'd, 
*' If Balak's men—his princes call for thee, 
Arise forthwith and go wiiij them," sayslie. 

These words (with reason) wise men understand> 
To be permission, nut a fair command : 
As if he'd said to Balaam, since I find, 
Togo thou art so eagerly inchn'd. 
Go if thou wilt against my plain decree. 
Which w^as distinctly understood by thee ; 
But yet will all thy labour be in vain, 
Foi thou shalt not thy grand design obtain : 
The word that I shall in thy mouth instil. 
That shalt thou speak, though much against thy wilL 

On this permission he with pleasure rose, 
With Moab's princes went the w^ay he chose. 
He took two servants on him there to wait5 
For grandeur and to bring his treasure great. 

The suffering him to go with them, we find, 
Was in displeasure, and was not his mind ; 
For he was wroth because the prophet went, 
And to oppose him he an angel sent. 

The angel did in Balaam's passage stand ; 
His sword was drawn, that glittered in his hand: 
Yet Balaam's eyes were blinded so complete,. 
He could not see him in the open street : 
Though to the ass he plainly was in view, 
She could discern him and avoid him too. 
Quite terrifi'd, she in distress and fear, 
KushM in a field that to the rog^d was near ; 

i Psalm Ixsxi. Jl. 12. 



THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 195 

For which he smote her in an angry strain, 
To turn her back into the road again. 

The angel moving to a place not wide, 
A path that had a wall on either side, 
The creature then the angel's sword to shun, 
So near the wall in her great terror run, 
She crush'd his foot; he in. his wrath and pain, 
Smote her to turn her in the way again. 

But when the angel, going on apace, 
Stood in the path in so confin'd a place, 
There was no passage to the left or right ; 
At this most awful and alarming sight. 
For fear the sword might either kill or wound, 
She fell down under him upon the ground. 
Extremely angry, Balaam as before, 
Smote the poor creature with his staff once more. 

The Lord then to rebuke the man beguil'd, 
And check the madness of the prophet wild, 
The ass's mouth, in that alarming hour. 
Behold ! he open'd with the speaking pow'r ! 
She spoke and said, " What have I done to thee, 
That thou three times hast sorely smitten me ?" 
At this great wonder, Balaam no waysshock'd. 
To her reply'd, " Because thou hast me mock'd. 
Had I a sword, I'd not withhold, or spare, 
Would take thy life, this moment, I declare." 
" Am I not thine, (the willing ass reply'd,) 
Didst thou not safely long upon me ride ? 
Have I transgressed until this very day .^" — 
He answer'd his long faithful servant, " Nay.'' 

This strange indeed, and most unnat'rai thing, 
Enough itself astonishment to bring 
On ev'ry heart, to human flesh ally'd — 
On ev'ry man that was not petrify'd. 
But his dark mind was on the way so bent. 
His heart on making money so intent. 
E'en this could not the blinded prophet move, 
He held the dialogue, as said above, 
Until the Lord concluded to surprize. 
And him arouse by op'ning of his eyes. 



196 1*HE LIFE OF BALAAM. 

He then beheld the mighty angel' stand 
flight in the way, with his drawn sword in hand t 
At sight of whom, in that most awful place, 
He bovvM himself— fell flat upon his face: 
For instant danger will most surely make 
The most obdurate, bow their heads and quake. 
Tlie angel did with him expostulate, 
And let him know his sin was very great ; 
His undertaking, business, and reward, 
Were all indeed, perverse before the Lord. 
That he was come, his purpose to withstand, 
And there had slain him, with his sword in hand, 
But for his ass, which turned another way, 
Which he had beat ungratefully that day. 

Then wicked Balaam, sorely stung within, 
Confessed that he was guilty of a sin ; 
That he'd return, he to him faintly said, 
If going on displeas'd the sovereign dread. 
But this confession little credit gain'd. 
Since it appears but little more than feign'd, 
He need not doubt, put in his if, for true, 
From the beginning well enough he knew, 
That it was wrong, displeasing to the Lord, 
** Thou shalt not go, was the Almighty's word.** 
But now since he so strongly was inclined, 
The Lord would not command him back, we find ; 
But he resolv'd to turn the base design 
To a good end— a purpose more benign, 
By making him defeat the project thus, 
Pour blessing on the people he would curse. 
Then suffer'd him his journey to pursue, 
With one strict charge that he must keep in view, 
^ The only word I speak to thee when there, 
That shalt thou speak, and only that declare." 
With Balak's princes he the way pursu'd, 
His hope of gain a little more renewed. 

When Balak heard of Balaam on the way. 
That he in person great respects might pay; 
Went out to meet him in a pompous state, 
That he might nobly him congratulate. 



THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 197 

When they had met and greeted with delight, 
King Balak blam'd him, in a manner slight, 
For his not coming when at first he sent, 
W ho was so able, and was so intent, 
As sure as he then wore a royal crown. 
To raise him up to honour and renown. 
Then Balaam told him, in the plea he made, 
What a restraint the Lord upon him laid. 

Thus they arriv'd, in state, to Balak's seat, 
And there elate, he made a splended treat ; 
To Balaam he so great attention paid, 
A solemn feast for him and princes made. 
Next day, completely on their scheme intent, 
They up to Baals lofty places went, 
That he from thence the people might survey, 
And grievous curses on them pour that day. 

Thus Balaam g<U to Baal's places high. 
Where he remotely could extend bis eye, 
Tells them to build seven altars for him««there, 
And seven oxen, seven ratns prepare. 
Balak perform'd what Balaam then advis'd. 
An ox and ram on each they sacrific'd ; 
Then leaving; Balak in that place to stay, 
Balaam retir'd alone a little way, 
To see if he then with the Lord could meet, 
Who came to him his purpose to defeat; 
Put in his mouth a word to utter there. 
With a strict charge he should the same declare. 

Returning back, most probably with sighs, 
Found Balak standing by his sacrifice. 
With Moab's princes, who with hopes were fed; 
Balaam took up his parable and said, 
" Balak, the king of Moab, far hath sought, 
And me from Aram, or from Syria brought, 
Out of the mountains of the east — they cry^ 
Come curse me Jacob — Israel defy : 
But how shall I regard the evil call. 
To curse, whom God hath never curs'd at all? 
Or how shall ever I defy (he cry'dj 
Those whom the Lord hath never yet defy'd ? 



198 THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 

For from the rocks I see him in his fold, 
And from the mountains I can him behold I 
A people great, lo ! they shall dwell alone, 
Shall not be numbered with the nations known.'' 
(To God must be a people separate. 
In peace and love, in true religious weight ; 
In course of life, to dwell alone must choose- 
True type, or figure of the inward Jews.) 

And then instead of uttering a curse, 
He broke forth into admiration thus : 
" Say who can count the dust of Jacob's band. 
Or number Israel ? like the sea shore sand ! 
Let me the death of him that's righteous die, 
And let my last end be like his" — I cry 

How great a disappointment this must be 
To Balak, we can from his answer see : 
*' What hast thou done — why hast thou us'd me thus ? 
I took thee here mine enemies to curse. 
To curse the p«|ople who have broke my rest, 
And lo ! thou hast them altogether blest !" 

Balaam himself was willing to excuse, 
Alleg'd that he could not the subject choose, 
That he must speak, and only speak the word, 
Put in his mouth as oider'd by the Lord. 
As much as if he had to Balak said, 
I counter was to my fond wishes led ; 
Indeed 1 could not help it if I would — 
I would, in fact have curs'd them if I could : 
I had no pov/er myself to speak a word, 
My mouth was fill'd and governed by the Lord. 

View now what Moses once to Israel told. 
Of this dark business for the love of gold : 
*'The Jiord would not attend to Balaam's mind. 
But turn'd bis curses into blessings kind.*' 
By this we may undoubtedly conceive, 
That Balaam labour'd with the Lord for leave 
To curse this people, Balak to delight, 
That he might him with opulence requite. 

Balak in hopes, what he had lost with pain, 
Jn one sad place, he elsewhere might obtain : 



THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 199 

And not disposM so great a cause to yield, 
Brought Balaam further into Zophim's field, 
Ascended up on Pisgah's eminence, 
To see if he could Israel curse from thence. 
Balaam to please him fillM with anxious care, 
Had seven altars soon erected there. 
Consistent with what Balaam then advised, 
Oxen and sheep on each they sacrific'd. 
Then he again went forth to meet the Lord, 
.Who deign'd to put within his mouth a word, 
Gave orders what he must to Balak say, 
To which he could not but attention pay. 

King Balak now began to understand, 
What Balaam said, the Lord must give command. 
Ere long the seer return'd to him once more, 
Found ^ing; and princes standing as before, 
Awaiting for him by the sacrifice, 
With hearts all anxious and with hopeful eyes — 
What hath the Lord now spoken, Balak cried ? 
With great importance, Balaam then repli'd ; 
''Rise up, O king, and thy attention lend, 
To me, thou who art Zippor's son attend. 
God is not man, that he should tell a lie. 
Nor son of man who from his word can fly. 
Hath he once said and to his word not stood. 
Or hath he spoken and not made it good ? 
Behold ! I have receiv'd command to bless, 
W hich I cannot reverse, I must confess. 
He hath not seen in Jacob sin, to wound, 
Nor yetperverseness, in his people found : 
The Lord is with him, of a truth, I sing, 
In him is heard the shouting of a king. 

God brought them forth from Egypt's gloomy land, 
The unicorn cannot before him stand ; 
Against him no enchantment can prevail — 
Like fleeting shades must divinations fail : 
That it shall be, of those the Lord hath led — 
Of Jacob and of Israel long be said, 
(Who was from Egypt through the Red Sea brought) 
What hath the Lord, their great Protector wrought 1 



200 - THE LIFE OP BALAAM. 

Nor fraud nor curse against them can prevail, 
And all the power of ev'ry foe must fail." 

Foretelling Israel's strength in future days, 
Their victories and great success, he says, 
*' Lo ! they shall rise up as a lion great, 
As a young lion for his spoil shall wait ; 
Shall eat their prey — from drinking not refrain, 
The blood of those who in the field are slain." 

When Balak heard the prophet Balaam pour 
His blessings out, it cut him deep and sore : 
Like one confus'd and deeply mortifi'd, 
*' Don't curse at all, nor bless at all," he cried. 
But long he held not in that state of mind, 
For tho' he rather Israel should (we find) 
Escape a cursing than a blessing gain, 
Yet soon we see him in his eager strain. 
To have them curs'd— be would not quit before 
He try'd the greedy prophet's pow'rs once more. 

To Balaam " Come, I pray thee, (says the king,) 
To one more place, behold, I will thee bring : 
Perhaps it may not give the Lord offence, 
For thee to change, and curse me them from thence." 
Their course they then to Peer's top pursu'd, 
A hill from which the distant wild they view'd. 
Though Balaam had but just before this told, 
That God could not repent, or lie, behold ! 
He was so anxious for the great reward, 
He join'd with Balak yet to tempt the Lord. 
They rear'd seven altars, as before devis'd, 
And on them sheep and oxen sacrificed. 
The Lord long suff'ring, in his mercy kind, 
And brings forth good, when evil is design'd. 
Thus suffered Balaam all his powers to try, 
That blessings might on Israel multiply. 

But Balaam having try'd his artful train, 
Tlis magic tricks, and found them all in vain^ 
And finding still the Lord was pleas'd to pour 
On Israel blessings, went not as before, 
Under pretence that he with God would speak, 
That he enchantments when alone might seek : 



THE LIFE OF BALAAM. 201 

But set his face directly on the way, 
Where Israel safe in their encampments lay, 
Spread o'er the country to a great extent, 
Arranged in order that was excellent ; 
According to their sev'ral tribes by name, 
The holy spirit then upon him came. 

While he before had by enchantments sought 
To do his work, he then was only taught, 
By words put in his mouth to be apply'd ; 
But now he his enchantments laid aside. 
Behold ! he felt the power of ancient fame. 
The spirit of the Lord upon him came : 
His eyes, obscur'd by avarice and pride. 
Were somewhat open'd, he distinctly cried, 
" Thy tents are fair, O Jacob's favour'd seed I 
Thy tabernacles, goodly are indeed !" 

Then he set forth in metaphors of praise. 
Their strength and beauty in some after days : 
*' Lo ! as the valleys are they spreading wide, 
As fertile gardens by the river side — 

As aloes, planted by the Lord's own hand, 

And cedar trees that by the waters stand. 

The water from his buckets shall abound, 

His seed shall be in many places found, 

His king shall higher than great Agag stand. 

His kingdom be exalted in the land. 

God brought him forth — from Egypt he was led-— 

protected safely through the sea that's Red : 

His glory shall the region round adorn ; 

He hath the vigour of an unicorn. 

He shall eat up the nations strong and fierce, 

Shall break their bones, and them with arrows pierce | 

He couch'd and down, as a great lion laid, 

And none shall stir him or make him afraid. 

Who blesses thee, on blessings may rely. 

And curs'd is he that curseth thee, I cry." 

These words from Balaam with such accents came, 

Rais'd Balak's anger to a burning flame ; 

Like one perpar'd a duel wild to wage. 

He smote his hands together in his rage ; 

18* 



202 THE LIFE OP BALAAM. 

They might have been into a duel hurlM, 
But for this reason — fashion guides the world, 
And this most likely happened in an age, 
Ere fools brought duels on the fashion's stage. 

Balak upbraided Balaam then, we find, 
Of having been most foolishly unkind, 
Deceiving him, in rudely speaking thus ; 
In blessing those, he sent for him to curse. 
'' Depart from me fsays he) without delay, 
I thought to have promoted thee this day— 
Of pay and honour would have been no lack, 
But God hath kept thee from great honour back. 

Balaam had recourse here again, we find, 
To his old plea — that he was quite confin'd ; 
That he could not, tho' for a great reward, 
Go counter to the orders of the Lord. 

Still Balaam lingered — loath to go away, 
"W ithout some sweet pecuniary pay : 
Ere parting he propos'd to advertise 
The king of Moab, and his lords apprize, 
Of things that would be done by Israelites, 
Some future day unto the Moabites. 

Then he took up his parable, and said, 
" Balaam, who in a silent trance was led, 
Who in a vision listen'd to the word, 
And knew the secret knowledge of the Lord. 
A star shall come from Jacob (with surprise) 
A sceptre out of Israel shall rise. 
That Moab's corners shall most surely smite, 
Put Sheth's descendants to destruction quite. 
AndEdom shall be by his foes possess'd. 
And Seir shall be by enemies distressed. 
And Israel shall be valiant (and be wise) 
And out of Jacob shall a prince arise : 
Lo ! he shall have dominion in that day, 
Shall those he finds within the city slay." 

On Amalek then the prophet's eye was led, 
And he took up his parable and said : 
" See Amalek long exalted o'er his foes, 
To grandeur hej among the nations^ rose ; 



9> 



THE LIFE OP BALAAM. 203 

Yet much shall be his latter end annoyM, 
He shall at length be utterly destroy'd.'* 

Then he toward the Kenites turn'd his face, 
And said of them, " Strong is thy dwelling-placej 
Thy habitation is in peace possessed, 
And lo ! thou puttest in the rock thy nest : 
And yet shall the strong Kenite waste away, 
Till Ashur thee to foreign climes convey. 
W here then shall be the nation's safe retreat? 
And who shall live when God shall this complete ?^ 

Balaam then doubtless ere he went away, 
Instructed Balak Israel to betray ; 
How to allure them into wickedness, 
Which follow'd soon, with consequent distress. 
This we may safely for the truth receive, 
If we will what meek Moses said, believe.* 

Thus ends the work, remote from what was plann'dj 
And Balaam travelld to his native land. 
Awhile from this, we hear from him again, 
That he was by the sword of Israel slain. f 

He was a seer, once favour'd of the I^ord, 
He knew his voice — could speak the sacred word : 
The love of wealth and honour found a place — 
And he like Judas, fell from truth and grace. 
Thus died the man, in honor and distress, 
** Who lov'd the wages of unrighteousness." J 

THE HISTORY OF DEBORAH AND BARAK, 



The Israelites distressed with wars and woes, 
Had been drliver'd from their cruel foes, 
They were again vvitt^ peace and plenty blest, 
Had fourscore- years of consolating rest. 

* I^umb. is^u. 16. t r^amb. x&^i. 8. | 2 Peter; ii. 1^ 



204 DEBORAH AND BARAK. 

They, while enjoying an abounding store, 
Forgot their bondage and affliction sore, 
Committed evil in the Lord's pure sight— - 
Forsook the fountain of celestial light, 
The Lord Almighty, their protector great, 
View'd with displeasure their revolted state, 
Sold them to Jabin, who in Hazur reign'd, 
He title of the king of Canaan feign'd. 

We have enough recorded to convince 
That Jabin was a very potent prince, 
For he could bring (to make the nations yield) 
Nine hundred iron chariots, in the fiqJd ; 
A cruel scourge — poor Israel was distressed, 
For twenty -years they were by him oppress'd. 
No peace had they, in their once calm abodes. 
Nor durst they travel on the common roads, 
But in by-ways, they lonely had to go, 
To shun the fury of the cruel foe. 
They could not in their villages abide ; 
Grim death and famine reign'd on every side. 
If they went down for water, when adry, 
On them the archers let their arrows fly. 
With comfort they could neither eat nor sleep-— 
Their foes would not allow them arms to keep ; 
What arms they had, they were oblig'd to hide 5 
So lost was all their glory, strength and pride, 
There was not found a sword, or spear, or shield, 
With forty thousand who could weapons wield. 

But still the Lord, amidst his judgments great 
Remember'd mercy in their burdened state ; 
When they were by affliction's purging fire, 
Brought to a sense of their transgressions dire, 
And in prostration humbly cry d to God, 
He heard their moan, and laid aside the rod. 

There dwelt in Israel, while in their distress, 
A Deborah, a well-known prophetess, 
Who rose to honour and extensive fame. 
She had a husband. Lapidoth by name. 
Thousrh she belonged unto the sex that's fair, 
She wisdom had, to judge the people there. 



DEBORAH AND BARAK. 205 

To her (in highest reputation round,) 

The people came for judgment that was sound. 

To Deborah, who her Creator fear 'd, 
The Lord in Israel's deep distress appeared, 
And by his spirit her direction gave, 
To send for Barak, who was young and brave ; 
A prince who was to reputation grown, 
One of the tribe of Naphtali, well known. 
IJpon her call he freely to her came, 
And she informed him, in the Lord's great name^ 
" That he must go, and draw together then, 
From two near tribes, ten thousand fighting men, 
From Naphtali and Zebulon, and lead 
Them to Mount Tabor, with the greatest speed.'*^ 

This was in truth, an enterprise of dread, 
Therefore she to encourage Barak said, 
*'The Lord will cause the gen'ral of the host 
Of Jabin's army, his great pride and boast, 
To come against thee, bard by Kishon's stream, 
With chariots that invincible may seem, 
And num rous host, that has so mighty grown, 
And by thy hand shall they be overthrown." 

Young Barak view'd, as with a sage's eyes, 
The greatness of this martial enterprise, 
He thought it best to have the matron near, 
Both for his counsel, and his men to cheer;. 
" 1 will obey, if thou wilt go with me, 
If thou wilt not, I can't consent," said he. 

She then repli'd, *' I'll go, as thou hast planned ; 
But pleasantly she let him understand. 
The expedition might, perhaps, be found 
Not much for bis own honour to redound ; 
The Lord, who rules, where men and angels dwell, 
Would Jabin's gen'ral to a woman sell. 
Departing then, they both pursu'd the road 
To Kadesh, call'd the place of his abode. 
From Naphtali, and Zeb'lun, it appears, 
He rais'd with speed, ten thousand volunteers : 
This army Barak to Mount Tabor led, 
The prophetess attended him, 'tis said. 



206 DEBORAH AND BARAK. 

This insurrection, was, without delay, 
Told to the king Jabin's gen'ral Sisera. 
Alarm was sounded, and the host array'd — 
His chariots clatter'd with a great parade ; 
The mighty army, soon was brought to view, 
And near the noted river Kishon drew. 

This by the worthy prophetess was view'd, 
Her mind divinely guided and endu'd, 
The signal then she for the battle gave, 
To Barak said, *' Rise with thy army brave : 
The Lord of Hosts, before whom none can stand, 
Hath Sisera delivered to thy band ; 
This is the day, and is not, (added she) 
The Lord gone forth to conquer them for thee f ' 

Then Barak form'd his army in array, 
And from Mount Tabor march'd without delay ; 
He with an humble, and courageous mind, 
The battle with the great oppressor join'd : 
And lo ! the Lord, with his Almighty hand, 
Defeated Sis'ra, and his powerful band. 
The elements were stirr'd, with great dismay, 
Against the host of Canaanites that day. 
Nine hundred well-mann d chariots were as nought j 
The stars against the mighty army fought ! 
The hearts of heroes soon began to fail, 
There pour'd upon them storms of rain and hail — 
The furious winds, with their tremendous roar, 
Were such as they had never known before : 
It was a scene of deep and dire dismay — 
The stream o'erflow'd, and swept the men away ! 

Nor did the sword that valiant Barak drew, 
Spare small or great, for he among thorn flew 
Like lightning (as his name imports,) with dread ; 
He routed them, and follow'd those that fled : 
He and his men so fleetly on them ran. 
Of that great army there escap'd no man. 

But Sisera, the general of the host, 
Beheld his army and his glory lost ; 
Not now relying on his chariot wheels, 
In dire dismay leapt down to try his heels ; 



DEBORAH AND BARAK. 20*7 

He nimbly from the field of battle fled, 
To die a death a Washington would dread. 

When he with running, and with fear was spent, 
He sought a shelter in a Kenite's tent, 
Call'd Heber who to Jabin was allied. 
"When Heber's wife the flying gen'ral spy'd, 
She went to meet him, with a heart all free, 
** TurnjMi my lord, turn in the tent," said she, 
*' Be not afraid" — he all forlorn and sad, 
Was of the woman's invitation glad. 
He not suspecting this was all pretence, 
Went in the tent with greatest confidence ; 
And being by the day's sore toil and heat, 
Extremely thirsty, he did her intreat. 
That she would in her kindness to him, fipst. 
Give him some water to allay his thirst : 
Instead of which, she, with a ready will, 
A bottle brought, and gave him milk his fill. 

When he therewith had his sore thirst allay'd, 
One more request he of the woman made, 
That she would aid him in his direful strait, 
By her tent door he crav'd of her to wait : 
If any person askM if he was there, 
That he was not, she plainly should declare. 
Thus taught her how she others might beguile, 
But she by far, out-generall'd him in wile. 

He now supposed the danger all was o'er, 
To rest himself lay down upon the floor. 
Still by a semblance of great kindness led, 
A mantle gently over him she spread. 
Long he had not in that position lain, 
Ere he forgot his weariness and p^in : 
While all was still, and silence reign'd around, 
He sunk to rest — into a sleep profound ; 
Perceiving this, and resolutely bent, 
With a long nail she softly to him went, 
And pitch'd it on the temple of his head, 
In her right hand she held a hammer dread ; 
Then with great force she smote upon the nail— » 
By guile and strength did over him prevail ; 



208 SONG OF DEBORAH AND BARAK. 

A stroke so mighty made a mortal wound — 
She pinn'd his head completely to the ground. 
To end the scene, then vievv'd a noble feat. 
Smote off his head, and finish'd him complete. 

When this was done, the war-like female went, 
And look'd out from the entrance of the tent ; 
With this intention by the door to wait, 
Till she th? tidings might communicate. ^ 
She soon perce^iv'd brave Barak, on the way, 
Pursuing him, who in her mansion lay. 
The woman then advanc'd with joy to meet, 
That she the youthful conqueror might greet ; 
She ask'd him in, to view the wonder wrought, 
Said she wouhl lead bira to the man besought : 
He in the tent was with great pleasure led, 
For there he found his foe was lying dead. 

Thus Jabin's army, very potent grown, 
Was by divine direction overthrown — 
The Israelites their bitter foes annoy'd, 
Went on prevailing, till they were destroy'd. 

When this most wondrous victory was gain'd, 
The Israelites deliverance obtained ; 
Tiie noble Dfeborah, at a time they set, 
And valiant Barak soon together met ; 
Sang, in exulting and heroic lays, 
This song of joyful and tjriumphant praise. 



SONG OF DEBORAH AND BARAK. 

Praise ye the Lord, the Mighty One, on high, 
For his relief to Israel, in their cry ; 
'Twas when the people freely offer'd all 
Their hearts to him, he listened to their call. 




Of Him, the Lord, the mighty God of fame. 



SONG OF DEBORAH AND BARAK. 209 

Lord, when thy pow'r was out of SeirrevealM, 
And glorious march was forth from Edom's field, 
The earth and heavens trembled and ador'd, 
The clouds dropt water, and the thunder roar'd. 

The mountains melted in that awful hour, 
Before the Lord, and his elernal pow'r ; 
E'en Sinai's mountain could no longer stand, 
Before the^ Lord, who made the sea and land. 

In Sbamgar's time, and mournful latter days, 
Unoccupi'd were Israel's highways ! 
The passenger, then with a bitter moan, 
Walk'd thro' by-ways, that were but little known. 

The Israelites most wondrously decreas'd, 
In villages, behold ! the people ceas'd ; 
When 1 appeared, we vanquish'd all our foes — 
When, as a mother, I in Israel rose. 

They chose vain idols, gods of distant states, 
The painful scourge then rag'd within their gates ; 
There was -not seen a war-like spear or shield, 
With forty thousand, who could weapons wield. 

My heart in depth of inmost feeling glows, 
Toward the rulers of our land, and those 
Who willingly afforded all their aid; 
Bless ye the Lord, and let his fear pervade. 

Lo ! let the people satiate in joys. 
That are deliver'd from the archers' noise, 
Down in the places where they water drew, 
Where arrows from the cruel bowmen flew. 

They shall rehearse, with one unfeign'd accord, 
The righteous acts of the Almighty Lord ; 
Vouchsafed to those inhabitants who dwell, 
In villages that are in Israel. 

Then shall the people to the gates go down, 
The people of the king of great renown ; 
Then Israel's children thro' the gates shall go, 
All unmolested by the cruel foe. 

Awake, awake ! O Deborah, awake ; 
Rejoice indeed ! a song of triumph make ; 
Arise, O Barak, thou triumphant one, 
And lead thy captives, O Abinoam's son. 

19 



210 SONG OF DEBORAH AND BARAK. 

To him who stood firm thro' the trying hour, 
He gave o'er nobles of the people pow r — 
To me the Lord (when humbled in his sight) 
Gave the dominion o'er the men of might. 

The kings came forth, and fought us in array, 
The kings of Canaan thought to spread dismay ; 
The pow'r above against bold Sis'ra wrought, 
The stars against him, in their courses, fought. 

The river Kishon rose that awful day, 
And lo ! it swept their fighting bands away ; 
That ancient river Kishon of renown — 
My soul ! O thou their strength hast trodden down. 

The horse hoofs then to pieces broken were. 
By means of the most dreadful prancing there ; 
I'he furious prancings of the mighty ones, 
When mounted by the Canaanitish sons. 
Gurse Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, 
Curse bitterly the people, was the word ; 
Because they came not (sure to them is wo,) 
To help the Lord against the mighty foe. 

But blest o*er many who exist in life, 
Shall Jael be, the Kenite Heber's wife ; 
Behold her aid most heartily she lent, 
Blest shall she be o'er women in the tent. 

Our foe was thirsty, he did water crave, 
And lo ! to him. his fill of milk she gave ; 
Attended him according to his wish, 
She brought forth butter in a lordly dish. 

The man who fled for life from the defeat, 
He bow'd, he fell down at a woman's feet ; 
His race was run on this terrestrial shore, 
He bow'd, he fell, to rise at all no more. 

So let thy foes extinguish'd be, O Lord, 
As with the breath of thy eternal word ; 
Let those who love thee with supreme delight, 
Shine as the sun with everlasting light. 



GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 211 

OF GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 



We find by scripture, in an ancient day, 
When wise and pious judges bore the sway ; 
'Twas frequent when one ruling sage was dead? 
The Israelites weijp in transgression led ; 
They worshipp'dJPaal, and the gods renown'd, 
Among the impious heathen nations round ; 
From serving of the great Jehovah fled, 
To idols that were deaf, and dumb, and dead. 
Since they the gods that were forbidden chose, 
The Lord sold them to Midianitish foes. 
To be chastised by them for seven years — 
Unfeeling masters, it indeed appears. 

Tho' this was shorter than some terms before, 
It was a scene extremely sharp and sore, 
By which the poor afflicted Israelites, 
Enjoy'd no more the promis'd land's delights. 
They, whose renown extended far and wide, 
Must now in vales and craggy mountains hide. 
Were sadly driven by proud Midian's band. 
To dens, strong holds, and caverns of the land. 

Tho' they had these afflictions to endure, 
They were, alas ! but very insecure, 
To venture out to sow the land were fain. 
That they might their imbitter'd lives sustain. 

When they had through afflictive struggles sown, 
And grain upon the fertile land was grown, 
The Midianites, to have a copious feast, 
Amalakites, and people of the east. 
Came rushing on with such a multitude. 
They like grasshoppers, numberless were viewed ; 
Completely stript the Israelites of peace, 
Of liberty, and all the earth's increase. 
And thus did they, from year to year, proceed. 
Till Israel was impoverish'd indeed. 
And of their mis'ry, in an humbling sense, 
They cry'd for help unto Omnipotence. 



212 SIDEON AND HIS SQN5. 

Before the Lord would give them ease again, 
He sent a prophet with this message plain : 
" rhus saith the Lord, the God that Jacob sought^ 
You forth frt)ra the Egyptian land I brought — 
Deliver'd you from Pharaoh's hand entire } 
From all oppressors who were strong and dire- 
Drove them before you in a former age, 
And gave their land to you an heritage. 
Thus f upon the nations laid my rooT 
And said to you, 1 am the Lord your God ; 
Fear not the gods (was my supreme command) 
Of Amorites who once possessed the land ; 
But to your sorrow, your blind wills have sway'd, 
And ye have not my gracious voice obey'd." 

By this expostulation on their state, 
Brought to a sense of their transgression great, 
And of the justness of their punishment. 
They for their gross transgressions underwent ; 
That they might be more deeply bow'd before. 
And that strong Hand, that is divine, adore ; 
And thus the fitter for deliverance be, 
Which was intended by the Deity, 
In gracious goodness to be wrought by one, 
"Whose name was Gideon, who was Joash's son. 

This Gideon was engag'd in threshing wheat, 
To save a little, in hard times to eat, 
To hide it from the Midianitish band, 
That had o'errun the fertile promised land. 
He little thinking what would be the word. 
To quit the flail and take the conq'ring sword. 
The angel of the majesty he fear'd, 
To Gideon in a human form appear'd. 
Said to him, in his deeply humbled state, 
*' The Lord is with thee 1 man of valour great." 

This salutation was in Gideon's view. 
As unexpected as both strange and new : 
" Alas ! my lord, if God with Israel be. 
Why has all this befallen us, said he f 
And where are all his miracles so great, 
And wonders that our predecessors state. 



GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 



213 



That he did with a povv'r almighty, bring 
Us from the bondage of the Egyptian king. 
We now are cast from his protecting sight, 
Behold ! by him we are forsaken quite, 
His heritage is granted for a feast, 
To Midianites and people of the east;'' 
And canst thou with propriety this day, 
Salute me thus, the Lord is with rae, say ? 

The Lord look'd on him with a strength'ning eye, 
And let him know, that sov'reign help was nigh : 
" Go in thy might, said he, 'tis my command. 
And Israel save from their oppressor's hand. 
And bear in mind that thou art surely sent. 
By Him who rules in pow'r Omnipotent." 
Poor Gideon could not in himself confide, 
Not knowing who convers'd with him, reply'd : 
*' Alas, my lord ! say how could I succeed f 
My family's poor in Israel indeed. 
And I the least in all the family, 
What could I do the Israelites to free ?'* 

The Lord then to encourage Gideon, said, 
" rU be with thee, with mighty pow'r and dread j 
Altho' they of a multitude can boast, 
Lo ! thou shalt smite the Midianitish host. 
With as much ease (attending to my plan) 
As though they were an individual man.'' 

Here Gideon's mind was rais'd to higher view§, 
And who it was that talk'd with him to muse ; 
To him who saw the sore afflictions round, 
Said, '' If 1 favour in thy sight have found, 
Vouchsafe a sign that's visible to me, 
Whereby I may without deception see, 
That 'tis the Lord that talks with me this day. 
Depart not hence, to thee I humbly pray, 
While I am gone in haste upon the thing, 
My humble present unto thee to bring." 
Tile angel proinis'd he would there remain. 
Most certainly, till he returnM again. 

Then lie went in and ready made that hour, 
A kidj and some imleavcn'd cakes oi* flour ; 

19* 



214 GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 

He brought thera out, presented them in lovG^ 
Before the holy angel from above. 
For he still sat, where he first to him spoke, 
Beneath the shadow of a verdant oak. 

Then Gideon did just as the angel bade, 
The flesh and cakes upon a rock he laid. 
The heav'nly angel, with a movement grand, 
Put forth the staff that he had in his hand, 
And with its end he touchM the sacrifice : 
A fire arose, to Gideon's great surprise. 
Consumed the whole ! a wonder great and new. 
And then the angel vanish'd from his view ! 

By this was Gideon, with a witness, shown, 
That 'twas an angel from the highest throne ; 
" Alas, O Lord ! the God of sovereign grace, 
I've seen (said he) an angel face to face :" 
Which in those days was held a fatal thing. 
And which fresh trouble did upon him bring. 
The Lord was gracious, to console him near. 
Said " Peace to thee, there is no cause of fear :" 
Then Gideon, in a reverential view 
Cf His great mercy, who is just and true, 
To build an akar to the Lord was led, 
"Which he Jehovah-Shalom call'd, 'tis said ; 
" The Lord of peace, or let the Lord send peace,^ 
*Tis thus defin'd — O may it never cease. 

The King, who is for ever to be fear'd, 
To Gideon had in such a way appeared, 
As was perceptive by the outward sense $ 
This mode was taken by Omnipotence, 
His servant to confirm and animate. 
In his employ, the business that was great, 
Which he began, in his own time and way, 
To call him to, which was without delay. 

That night the Lord commanded him to go, 
" The idol Baal's altar overthrow ; 
The grove cut down, that by the same was near 
An allar to the Lord his God to rear. 
This he upon the solid rock must make. 
His ancient father's second bullock take. 



GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 215 

Of seven years old, and of a well grown size, 

And offer it for a burnt sacrifice : 

And for the fire thereof to take the wood, 

Of BaaFs grove" — all which he understood. i 

Resolv'd to yield to the divine mandate, 
His mind began to freely contemplate, 
Which way he could accomplish it complete: 
Suspecting he might opposition meet, 
Should he attempt it in the open light, 
Concluded to accomplish it by night. 
Accordingly, he taking with him ten 
Of his own servants, who were active men, 
Performed it quickly, with this little band. 
Just as the Lord had given him command. 

But what a bustle in the morn was there, ' 
Among the citizens, at this affair ! 
When they arose, to their surprise, they found, 
Their idoFs altar scattered on th^ ground ; 
The grove cut down, long pleasant in their view, 
An altar built, that was entirely new. 
Thereon a bullock offerM that was choice ! 
This they beheld, and rais'd their angry voice ; 
In deep displeasure made enquiry round. 
To see if the bold author could be found. 
At length, on Gideon fix it, and require 
Tlie goodly Joash, who was Gideon's sire, 
Then to surrender his mischievous son, 
That he might die, for wickedness he'd done. 

Joash had pow'r suflicient to preside, 
With the performance he was satisfied ; 
And in defence he spoke with boldness great, 
Did with the citizens expostulate ; 
Those idol bigots, in delusion wide : 
" V\ ill ye, alas ! for Baal plead f he cry'd — 
Will ye serve him, and let him be your god ? 
Then you indeed, are worthy of the rod. 
You say my son must feel the fatal wound, 
For throwing Baal s altar to the ground ; 
Not so, but he who Baal will defend, 
luethiaj be brought to an untimely end. *i 



216 GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 

If your lov'd Baal be a god indeed, 
Let him arise and for his honour plead — 
Against the man, speak for his own renown, 
Who has so boldly thrown his altar down." 

When this dispute was with his neighbours done, 
He Jerub-baal calPd his goodly son, 
Which is defined, as it appears, by some, 
** Let Baal avenge, the idol overcome.'' 

Though Joash, with undaunted courage then, 
Thus stopp'd the mouths of these deluded men, 
Whereby his son was from tlieir rage releas'd, 
The Midianites, and armies from the east, 
Came on with force, that made all hearts to wail, 
And made their pitch, in Jezreel's verdant vale, 
As they'd oft done, with great delight before. 
To ravage all that fertile country o'er, 
And to avenge, peihaps, the inj'ry great, 
To Baal done (the heathen god) of late. 

Now, animation from Omnipotence, 
Enliven'd Gideon, to great eminence ; 
The spirit of the Lord upon him came. 
That he was cloth'd — transported with the same. 
In strength thereof, lo ! he a trumpet blew, 
The sound of which, all those adjacent drew. 
Then he sent post-haste, through Manasseh's boundj 
To Asher, Zebulon, and the tribes around. 
That he soon had (they flock'd so boldly then) 
A host of two and thirty thousand men. 
Yet this was but a handful to the host, 
Of which the mighty enemy could boast ; 
They were indeed, a terrifying throng. 
One hundred thirty, and five thousand strong. 
When Gideon view'd this potent army o'er, 
(He who had, likely us'd no sword before) 
He sought the Lord, that he, by power divine, 
Would grant a token — an unerring sign. 
That this attempt was by the high command — 
That h( would bring deliv'rance by his hand. 

The sign that Gideon's humble view embrac'd, 
Was, that a fleece should on the floor be plac'd, 



GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 217 

That dew in plenty on this fleece might fall, 
But on the ground there should be none at alL 

To condescend, the Lord beheld it right ; 
And Gideon plac'd the fleece of wool at night. 
When morning came, he by inspection found, 
Completely dry was the adjacent ground ; 
The fleece was so with water fill'd, ('tis truej 
On wringing it, he filFd a bowl with dew. 

That Gideon might well animate the band. 
Of which he then as gen'ral, had command ; 
And that he might remove from ev'ry heart, 
Suspicion of a novel scheme , or art, 
He ask'd the Lord, whose mercies never cease. 
To grant anothe? trial with the fleece ; 
Inverting now the order, in address, 
So that the token of the good success, 
Was that the fleece should be completely dry, 
And all the ground be dewy that was nigh. 
The Lord was pleased to condescend once more, 
The fleece was laid, as it had been before, 
Which in the morn entirely dry was found, 
While there was dew on the adjacent ground. 

Thus by two-fold miracle made strongs 
He was resolv'd to battle give, ere long, 
To this great host, so dire to human view t 
He then advancing, forth his army drew. 
Toward the foe in order good they fell, 
And then encamp'd beside the Harod well ; 
The foe upon the nothern side did fill 
Th' extensive valley near to Moreh's hill. 

Though Gideon's army, in his humble sight, 
For the great combat was too feeble quite ; 
The Lord viewM them too many for their foe— 
For when they should the Midianites o'erthrow, 
The Israelites might in vain glory boast. 
Say, " By our strength we beat a mighty host." 
He ordered proclamation to be made, 
Throughout the camp, that all who were afraid, 
Should be discharged, and might forthwith retire 
To their abodes, if that was their desire. 



218 GIDEON ANE HtS SONS*- 

This was proclaimM ; then did each fearful heart;, 
Full tivo and twenty thousand men depart. 
And there reinain'd with gen'ral Gideon, then, 
A little ar my of ten thousand men : 
And yet the Lord view'd these too many still; 
For now, indeed, it was the sov'reign will. 
That Israel should be made completely free, 
Not by man's pow'r, but by the Deity. 
He then was order'd by the heavenly King, 
His soldiers to the wat ring place to bring. 
As Gideon pray'd for sign on sign before, 
The Lord directed one sure token more. 
A sign whereby he might distinctly know, 
Which of his soldiers should to battle go. 
All those who took up water in their hand, 
To drink thereof, should be the fighting band ; 
But ev'ry man who kneel'd to drink that day, 
Should be disbanded, and be sent away. 

Now when they to the trial thus were led, 
Nine thousand and sev'n hundred men, 'tis said. 
Of the ten thousand, he bad under care, 
KneeFd on the ground to drink the water there : 
Then Gideon had three hundred left to go. 
Against the mighty, and oppressive foe. 
And yet by these three hundred men, the Lord, 
Gave humble Gideon his unfailing word, 
That He would save them from that army grand ; 
The Midianites deliver to his hand. 
Then Gideon, as was the supreme behest, 
Dismissed and sent to their abodes the rest ; 
To keep so many trumpets was his plan, 
That he with one might furnish every man. 

Now Gideon had of cogent faith much need. 
His little band was impotent indeed : 
That night the Lord gave him command to go, 
And fall upon the army of the foe ; 
That He by pow'r which they could not withstand 
Had them delivered into Gideon's hand. 
*^ But if (says he) to go thou art in fear, 
WithPhurah first (thy servant) go with cheery 



GTBEON AND HIS SONS. 219 

By overhearlns: what tkey then may say, 
Amtmg themselves, thou may'st without delay, 
With strengthen^ hands, thy men together call. 
And be encourag'd on the host to fall. 

So Gideon took his servant, ere the fight, 
Went softly down, in covert of the night, 
And walk'd with perfect safety where he chose, 
Within the ranks of his invading foes. 
Who now to Gideon, no attention pay ; 
They in the wide extensive valley lay, 
Much like grasshoppers for great multitude, 
Their camels were beyond all numbers view'd. 

While he stood there, with an attentive ear, 
W^here he could well their conversation hear, 
He heard a soMier of this army great, 
Who had been sleeping, his strange dream relate : 
** [ dreamd a dream (he to his fellow said) 
And lo ! I saw a cake of barley-bread, 
W hich into Midian's mighty army went. 
And rolling on, it smote against a tent ; 
I was amaz'd, for with a force unknown, 
The tent was thus completely overthrown." 

At this his comrade, in no puzzle seem'd, 
He soon expounded what his mate had dream'd. 
" This barley-cake is nothing else (said he) 
But Gideon's sword — 'tis the divine decree, 
To give him strength, amid our pride and boast, 
To overthrow all Midian's mighty host." 

When Gideon heard the soldier's wondrous dream. 
With the interpretation of the theme, 
He had enough ; his heart he bow'd before 
The King of Kings, who reigns for evermore. 
He undiscover'd softly made his way 
Back to his little band without delay, 
And said to them, " Arise with courage true, 
The Lord hath given Midian's host to you." 

To three small bands undaunted Gideon then 
Divided his three hundred fighting men : 
Consistent with the policy he plann'd 
He put a trumpet in each warrior's hand. 



^20 GIPBON AND HIS SONS. 

A pitcher tbatcontain'd a burning lamp, 
To terrily the Midianitish camp: 
Then charg'd his men to follow him — be true, 
And each one act as they should see him do. 

All things were now dispos'd in order good- 
All to observe his motion understood ; 
He forward set with just one hundred men ; 
His other two bold bands advancing then, 
They took a circuit from each other wide, 
And plac'd themselves on Midian's host each side. 

V\ hen Gideon with the hundred men he choose, 
Came near the camp of their invading foes, 
With terror that must everv heart confound. 
They blew their trumpets with a piercing sound ; 
As Gideon did? and as his men were taught, 
They dash'd the pitchers ev'ry warrior brought : 
The trumpets sounded from his other bands, 
They broke the pitchers that were in their hands. 
With shouting then that greatly terrifi'd, 
^' The sword of God, and sword of Gideon," cried i 

'Tis thought to be about eleven at night, 
When Midian's host receiv'd this doleful fright : 
In tents retir'd, secure, they thought, from harm. 
When they were wakenM with this dire alarm, 
Which must not only quite surprising be, 
But terrifying to extremity. 

The .blast of many w-arlike trumpets sound, 
So suddenly from sev'ral quarters round — 
The noise produc'd by many pitcher's dash, 
To pieces broke, with a tremendous crash — 
The sudden flashing, and the dazzling sight, 
Of many flaming tapers in the night — 
The warlike shouts that on a sudden came, 
In quick succession to the sound and flame. 
Must wondrous be, to strike the human mind, 
And stamp amazement, of an awful kind : 
Ail courage fled ! hope vanished quite away, 
At this dread scene of terrible dismay. 

Twas not a slight, or common policy, 
But prudence to a very great degree, 



GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 221 

In this commander, who the business plann'd, 
To put a trumpet in each person's hand ; 
By which the foe might justly calculate, 
The Israelitish army very great. 
That when they heard so many trumpets sound, 
And these disposed in different places round, 
They might suppose themselves enclosed complete, 
That not a man could from the scene retreat. 

But over all, the Lord of Hosts was head. 
And struck the army with a doleful dread : 
The shock was direful, and amid their fears, 
He set them altogether by the ears ; 
They were more feeble than a Hock of sheep — 
It was a scene of consternation deep ] 
That rising up, they, in the night of gloom, 
Ran in distraction to escape their doom — 
They made an outcry wonderful to view, 
And with their swords they thrust each other through. 

With swiftest speed was this disorder spread, 
The Israelites were soon together led, 
From Ashers tribe, and Naphtali's strong race, 
And all Manasseh, join'd the joyful chase ; 
For those before, who were afraid to fight, 
Pursu'd the flying army with delight. 

Then to Mount Ephraim Gideon sent, invites 
Them to come down against the Midianites ; 
To Jordan's fords without delay to go. 
And at the river take the routed foe. 
The Ephraimites with pleasure lent their aid, 
And the retreating, frighted host, way laid. 
Oreb and Zeeb they captur'd with delight, 
Two Midianitish princes, in their flight; 
These by the ardent Ephraimites were slain. 
And then they follow'd the pursuit again. 

Now Gideon, with three hundred men of fame, 
Was following hard upon the chase, and came 
To Succoth, faint and weary with their toil, 
And halted there to rest a little while. 
The general to the men of Succoth said, 
" Bestow, I pray you, now some loaves of bread, 

20 



222 GIDEON AND HIS SONS, 

Upon the men, commanded here by rae, 
For they are faint and weary, as you see. 
A small supply will those with me recruit, 
We now are on a very close pursuit, 
That Zalmunna and Zebah we may gain, 
Who o'er the M idianitish people reign : 
They now of fifteen thousand men are head, 
And with this army have to Kaikor fled." 

The princes took a most erroneous view, 
Thought these kingsstrong,compar'd with Gideon's fev^, 
Their army being fifteen thousand then. 
To Gideon's weak, three hundred tired men ; 
Refus'd not only to refresh with bread, 
But in derision to the gen'ral said : 
" Are those two kings, who rule in Midian*s land, 
Securely now within thy potent hand. 
That we should thus implicitly be led. 
To heed thy call, and give thy army bread ?" 

This insult most contemptuous and bold, 
He much resented, and the princes told, 
" Lo ! when the Lord delivers to my hand, 
The kings of Midian, tho' you're proud and grandj 
I'll punish you, will teach you manners mild, 
With thorns and briers of the lonely wild." 

Then marching on, with hunger much distress'd^ 
To Penuel came, and made the like request. 
Here likewise, to their disappointment sore, 
The answer was precisely as before. 
Whereon he told them, in a manner plain, 
** When I return this way in peace again, 
Regardless of your arrogance and pow'r, 
lil overthrow your lofty city tow'r.'' 

Quite hopeless now to find relief in need, 
He was obliged his faithful men to lead. 
Just as they were, all weary, faint and sore. 
Toward the place, the name of Karkor bore ; 
Where the two kings, o'er Midian bearing sway, 
With ralli'd hosts, they thought securely lay. 
He suddenly and bravely on them fell, 
And tho' a wonder very strange to tell, 



eiDEON AND His SONS. 223 

He smote the host, and gave thera a defeat, 
Gain'd victory decisive and complete. 

The kings of Midian, overwhehii'd with dread, 
Had swiftly from the scene of carnage fled. 
Our hero almost with the speed of wings, 
Pursu'd the flying Midianitish kings, 
And took alive the very men he sought, 
And soon returning, them to Succoth brought, 
"When near the town, advancing on the road, 
He took a young man, one who there abode, 
Made him describe the Succoth princes then, 
Who were threescore and seventeen grand men. 

Then he triumphant to the city v/ent, 
And, in displeasure, for the princes sent. 
At his dread summons, they before him came, 
And saw his royal prisoners of fame ; 
Of whom he told them, thev were not afraid, 
But lately him to daringly upbraid. 
Then Gideon took (as he had said before,) 
And gave the elders a chastisement sore ; 
The thorns and briers to their backs apply'd, 
Thus he took down the haughty rulers' pride, 
And taught the men, who seemed so bold and brave. 
How they in future should themselves behave. 
And he would not unfeeling Penuel spare. 
He made a quick, triumphant entry there : 
As he foretold, the tow'r he overthrew, 
And the vain rulers of the city slew. 

Of Zebah and of Zalraunna, he then 
Ask'd a description of some Hebrew men, 
Whom, in their tow'ting, and their cruel strain, 
Some time before, they ha<l at Tabor slain ? 
The kings reply'd, " As thou art, so were they, 
Resembling sons of one who bore the sway." 
''They were my brethren, each my mother's son, 
Regret (said he) the evil you have done. 
If you had sav'd them, I to you declare, 
Your precious lives I certainly would spare '' 

So ended these two Midian monarch's reign. 
Forthwith the^ were by Gideon's weapon slain. 



224 6ri£>E0N AND HIS SO!^S. 

Thus Midian lost their pow'r, and great renown, 
Their pride was sunk, their strength was broken dowm 
The Israelites then found a blest release, 
Full forty years enjoyM the sweets of peace. 

The men of Israel under powerful sense 
Of Gideon's merit; viewed it sa immense, 
The government, they ofTer'd then to place 
On him thro' life, and also on his race : 
Which great temptation, with an humble mind, 
He candidly and generously declin'd. 
" 1 11 not myself, rule over you (he said) 
Nor shall my son, be governor, or head : 
But which will be for your long-lasting gain, 
The Lord, forever, over you shall reign. 
But still that you may understand me right, 
That I do not the offer'd honour slight. 
Let each one now, in peace and plenty's flow, 
On me the ear-rings of his prey bestow. 
To this request they readily agreed,' 
Said " We will give them willingly indeed." 
They spread a garment, and without delay, 
Each one cast in the ear-rings of his prey ; 
Amounting by just weight (as we are told) 
To seventeen hundred shekels of fine gold. 
In silver dollars, as the learned fix, 
Five thousand and six hundred sixty-six. 

Of this fine gold an ephod Gideon made, 
With which his city Ophrah he ariay'd. 
And nothing else, 'tis thought was his intent, 
Bui that it might remain a monument, 
Of the triumphant victory they gain'd, 
And the defeat theMidianitessustain'd. 
But sorrowful ! it prov'd while standing there, 
To Gideon's house, and Israelites a snare. 
For after this great patriarch was dead, 
(Whose life was long upon the earth, 'tis said,^ 
And buried by his father Joash fam'd, 
In his own city, that was Ophrah nam'd. 
The Israelites this ephod idoliz'd. 
And their Creator slighted or desprs'd; 



GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 225 

Made Baal-berith foolishly their god, 
In wild delusion, paths forbidden trod. 

The Israelites unstable thus, and vain, 
Turn'd from the Lord, their gracious God again ^ 
Who them for his peculiar people chose, 
And wrought deliverance from their cruel foes : 
No favour they to Gideon's fam'ly prove, 
For his profound fidelity and love. 

They show'd their great ingratitude to God, 
Who laid upon their enemies the rod. 
In turning from his gracious law, or call, 
And serving gods that could not save at all. 
To Gideon their ingratitude was shown. 
The instrument of their deliv'rance known : 
For lo ! his sons, who sought no honour vain, 
By them, in depth of cruelty were slain ! 

Here let me halt, some ideas to express, 
Whereby I from the narrative digress : 
Some things, we find, the worthy ancients did, 
That are in purer gospel days forbid. 
Among the warlike tribes of ancient days. 
When clouds obscur'd the sun's meridian rays, 
In man's deprav'd, degenerated state. 
The King who is omnipotent and great, 
W ho strove with man by all-sufficient grace, 
Allowed some wars among the human race ; 
Permitted men, in their mix'd gloomy state, 
Those who were certain enemies to hale. 
But now that rule is abrogated quite, 
By the refulgence of superior light : 
*' Ye heard of the command of old," said he, 
'* To love ihy neighbour — hale thy enemy ; 
But I, indeed, have a commandment new, 
To love your foes, with an affection true ; 
Bless those wlio rudely, curses on you pour. 
Let those who hate, be aided from your store ; 
And pray for those who imitate the brute, 
Use you despite fully, and persecute : 
That yoa may gain a resting place that's free — 
May children of vour Heavenly Father be. 

20* 



226 GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 

Who makes the sun (a wonder in our eyes) 
Upon the evil, and the good to rise : 
And Jo ! He sends refreshing show'rs of rain, 
Upon the just, the unjust and the vain. 
If you love those who only love bestow. 
What sweet reward, will to your bosoms flow ? 
Say, do not e'en the publicans the same,"* 
And sinners, who have neither truth nor fame ? 

Let all the people on the earth attend 
To this pure doctrine from their head and friend, 
Which is indeed, conclusive, and so plain, 
To contradict it, is for ever vain. 
Bold Antichrist, in the bright gospel day, 
This peaceful doctrine would explain away : 
As vainly he, " There is no sun,'' may cry — 
The being of a Deity deny. 

And so we find, beneath the antique cloud, 
There were plurality of wives allow'd, 
And concubines were in existence too, 
With some who had pure righteousness in view. 
These things, and more, must all be swept away, 
Now in the shining of a brighter day — 
A day of plenteous pouring out of grace, 
When wars must cease among the human race, 
And all our thoughts, in each pursuit of life, 
Run the reverse from worldly lust and strife ; 
Sweet peace pervade, pure love for ever sway, 
That banishes impurity away. 
To gospel precepts let the world attend. 
From their great Prince, and everlasting Friend, 

Our hero was to many wives inclined, 
JSy whom he had just seventy sons, we find ; 
A concubine, not rank'd among the fam'd, 
Brought him a son, whom he Abimelech nam'd. 
Though Gideon had fas has been said before^ 
Refus'd to reign the land of Israel o'er ; 
Both for himself, and sons, was most content, 
To shun the honour of the government ; 

* Matt. V. 43 to 4.e^ 



GIDEON AND fllS SONSv 22'i 

When he was dead, this vile aspiring son, 
To Shechem, to his mother's kindred run, 
And cunningly suggested, that the men, 
His father's sons, who were threescore and tenjf 
Would all usurp the government o'er them 5 
A scheme which they would certainly condemn. 
He wish'd them then to let it well be view'd, 
Which plan would be the best to be pursu'd. 
That seventy men should o'er the kingdom reign, 
Or only one should Israel's crown obtain. 
He told them too, it was by them well known, 
That he indeed, was of their flesh and bone. 

His mother's kindred, when they view'd the thing^5 
Suppos'd, to them, it would preferment bring, 
Suggested it, a secret quite profound. 
To all their friends, the men of Shechem round 5 
They listen'd as with one ambitious mind, 
For the same reason with the project join'd : 
For aggrandisement this they thought a chance, 
And studied how Abim'lech to advance. 
And since of gold, as it has long been said, 
'Twill answer all things, they with speed were led, 
To furnish him with sacred treasure, stor'd 
Within the house of their vain god ador'd. 
With this he hir'd to follow him, a train 
Of wretches, who were dissolute and vain. 
He of this band of ruffians was the head, 
And to his father's house at Ophrah sped : 
There he committed a transgression dire. 
He seiz'd his brethren, sons of his kind sire, 
Threescore and ten, though bone of his own bone, 
He slew them all upon a single stone ; 
Except the youngest, Jotham, slipt away, 
And shunn'd the scene of cruelty that day. 

The Shechemites now seem'd to be in cheer, 
From Gideon's house they little had to fear, 
And bolder in their direful mischief grew. 
Themselves together in a body drew. 
Their forces from the fortress Millo bring. 
And then proclaim Abimelech for king. 



228 GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 

This Jotham heard, and when 'twas known by hina. 
He went and stood upon Mount Gerizim, 
W here he might both be seen and heard to teach, 
And yet be most completely from their reach : 
From this high station, as he then was led, 
Tie call'd out to the Shechemites and said, 
" Hear, men of Shechem, take my speech in view, 
That so the Lord may hearken unto you.'' 
He then deliver'd to them thus his mind, 
Sarrastic and significant, we find : 
^' The trees went forth to make a king (said he) 
1 he choice they made was the sweet olive tree, 
To which they offer'd the imperial crown. 
Said, reign o'er us, and get thyself renown. 
The olive tree refus'd the sweets of pow'r, 
Suspecting it might make him vain or sour ; 
Reply'd to them, shall I my fatness leave, 
A post of fame or honour to receive ? 
IVIy richness, which both God and man can please. 
And be promoted o'ep the lofty trees ? 
Rejected thus, they let the fig-tree know, 
They would thereon the government bestow\ 
No mind to lose its sweetness and good fruit. 
The fig-tree also quite declin'd the suit. 
On this the crown they offer to the vine ; 
But that preferring its delicious wine. 
To pompous trouble of the government. 
Chose in its private quietude content. 

Thus far the trees, with one united voice, 
Had made the richest and the best their choice ; 
But now. since they were thrice repuls'd with pain, 
Rt'solv'd at last to court a tree to reign, 
\\ here they were sure they would not be deny'd : 
Determin'd thus, with one consent they cry'd. 
To the low bramble, in their anxious strain, 
*' Come thou, and o'er the noble forest reign.'' 
The bramble made no complimt^nt at all, 
Accepted with facility their call ; 
But wish'd that thoy might in good earnest be. 
Or otherwise they might disturbance see. 



GTU^EOlf ANl) HIS SO]!«S. . ^9 

^* If I, a monarch, over you be made, 
Then put your trust in my delightful shade ; 
If not, from me let fire proceed with pow'r — - 
The cedars of Mount Lebanon devour.'* 

By this apt parable, the witty youth, 
Described to the vile Shechemites the truth. 
How his kind father, in a former day, 
Refus'd the offer of the royal sway, 
When they, with all the Israelites were fain, 
That he and sons should in succession reign ; 
Behold, he like the olive, fig, and vine, 
Bravely refus'd^ — would not to pow'r incline ; 
But now see what they foolishly had done, 
They'd plac'd the crown and government on one? 
As much below the noble Gideon view'd, 
And lawful sons, in perfect rectitude. 
As k the bramble, (neither good nor fine) 
Below the fig-tree, olive, or the vine. 
He thus described their conduct grossly lewd, 
And laid before them their ingratitude: 
" If ye have done sincerely in this thing, 
In making vile Abimelech your king — 
And if you have (let conscience freely tell) 
Rewarded Gideon, and his household well. 
As he deserv'd, and gratitude has taught ; 
For lo f my father bravely for you fought j 
His life adventur'd in a trying hour — 
Delivered you from Midianitish pow'r : 
His kindness great, with evil ye repay. 
You risen are against his house this day, 
And seventy persons, his lov'd sons have slain. 
Save only I, by providence remain ; 
Ye now have crown'd and with no small parade, 
Abimelech king, the son of his hand-maid, 
Not for one virtue, or that he's sincere, 
But since to you he is related near. 

If ye have dealt sincere and true, I say, 
With Gideon and his family this day ; 
Exult then in Abimelech, your choice, 
And in return, let him in you rejoice. 



^SO GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 

If you have not, let direful judgments sting, 

Let fire come from Abimelech your king. 

And his great friends, the Shechemites devour, 

And house of Millo, in a trying hour : 

From Shechem's men, and house of Millo's fume, 

Let fire arise, and your new king consume." 

When this bright youth had made his speech sincere, 
He fled for safety to a place cali'd Beer. 
It was not long before the curse and sting, 
That he denounced upon this wicked king. 
And Shechemites, (aspiring after fame) 
Broke forth indeed, as a devouring flame. 

Three fleeting years the vile usurper reign'd, 
And then he w^as with sore afflictions pain'd ; 
An evil spirit from the Lord was sent, 
That rais'd with king and people discontent. 
They dealt with him most treacherously, 'tis said , 
He was to rough retaliation led : 
And thus there fell upon them deep distress, 
Because of their enormous wickedness, 
In bringing to a most untimely fate, 
The sons of Gideon, their defender great. 
Their blood must now be laid on him who drew. 
The slaughtering sword — his harmless brethren slew — 
On Shechemites, by whose inhuman aid, 
He kill'd his brethren, and was monarch made ; 
Which shows that Jotham, deeply feeling youth, 
Spoke not at random, but the words of truth. 

The Shechemites amongst the mischief sought. 
In secret things against Abimelech wrought ; 
Appointing some in their malignance great. 
Who were vain men, for him to lie in wait, 
Upon the mountains, where he sometimes went, 
To seize upon, or kill him, their intent. 
On information of this treacherous band. 
And their intention, he escap'd their hand. 
These turnd highwaymen— there conceaFd abode. 
And robb'd all travelers on the mountain road. 

The Shechemites thus fail'd in what they sought, 
A man nam'd Gaal in their service brought^ ' 



GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 23^ 

He came to Shechem with a warlike band, 
Who were his kindred — in their feelings grand. 
The men of Shechem, now appear'd more bold, 
They put in him much confideace. we're told, 
And thinking they had nothing now to dread, 
While they had Gaal, Ebed's son for head; 
Into the fields they went, with this design, 
To gather and to press their grapes for wine ; 
And making songs of joy in GaaPs praise, 
They seem'd elated sev'ral fleeting days. 
When they awhile the luscious grapes had trod. 
They went within the temple of their god ; 
And bolder grew, while by their idol's wins;; 
They ate and drank, and curs'd their wicked king. 

Now Gaal view'd the grandeur of his state, 
Puffd with this breath — began to feel elate : 
He talk d as big as one who wore a crown — 
In ostentation ran Abim'lech down, 
He greatly wish'd he had imperial sway, 
He'd soon remove Abimeleeh away. 
Then to the monarch, Gaal turn'd his speech, 
As if within his hearing or his reach, 
In depth of folly and exulting pride, 
" Increase thy army and cotne forth," he cry'd. 

Under Abimeleeh, Zebul was obeyed, 
O'^ r Shechem, as iho governor, he swayM : 
When he heard Ga*l, his abuses pour, 
He, to the king sent in displeasure sore, 
Whose royal seat was at Arumah made; 
This insurrection he before him laid. 
That Gaal and his men had him defy'd. 
The city they against him fortify'd. 
Then as a friend, gave him advice, as right, 
To come on with his forces in the night, 
And lie in wait in the adjacent field, 
Where they might most completely be conceaPd ; 
And in the morn when Gaal and his band, 
Pass'd from the city, jolly, bold and grand. 
That they should then from their concealment risCp 
4nd take the men and city by surprise. 



232 GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 

Abimelech thought that Zebul's plan was right. 
Came forward with his forces in the night, 
Disposd them in four companies, and lay 
Cuncfcal'd adjacent, till the light of day. 
When Gaal went out to the city gate, 
Abimelech rose from where he lay in wait ; 
He with his army then appeared in view, 
And rapidly toward the city drew. 

This soon attracted Gaal s roving eye, 
Alarm'd to see an army drawing nigh, 
He told the gov'nor (Zebul was his name) 
That from the mountains many people came. 
To Zebu! this was doubtless tidings good, 
And well enough by him was understood ; 
Yet partly Gaal to amuse, was led, 
And partly to deride his folly, said. 
Thou seest the shadow of the mountains highj 
As if an army, now was drawing nigh. 
This Gaal would not then regard as true, 
But looking mth a more attentive view, 
Show'd Zebul that he might distinguish clear, 
Thatsev'ral bands of men were drawing near. 

Then Zebul thought (who did the man despisp) 
From owning it, no danger could arise. 
He apprehending Gaal s state forlorn, 
Broke out on him, and laughing hiai to scorn, 
^*Where's now thy mouth,that said, with pompous cheer, 
Who is Abimelech, that we him should feai ? 
These are the men thou treated with despite j 
Go out I pray, and boldly with them fight.'' 
Forthwith poor Gaal. just as Zebul taught, 
Led out his men, and with Abimelech fought. 
To be defeated soon was Gaal's fate, 
And chas'd with fury to the city gate. 
Many were wounded of his fighting band, 
How many slain we do not understand. 

Upon the morrow from the city, more 
Who seem'd undaunted, venturd as before ; 
Abimelech then was lying there in wait, 
He and bis meo acQse with fury great, 



^IfiEON AND HIS SONS. 233 

IThey ran upon them, with extreme disdain, 
And all of these adventurers were slain. 
Toward the gate he then his forces brought, 
And all that day against the city fought : 
At length he took it, with a warlike din, 
And slew the people that he found therein. 
Then in his fury, rais'd without a bound, 
Behold ! he beat the city to the ground : 
'Thus punish'd those who durst from him revolt, 
And in abhorrence, sow'd the place with salt. 

A numVous band, in this alarming hour, 
Fled for more safety, to the city tow'r ; 
But doubting of a sure protection there. 
To find a refuge was their anxious care. 
In this distress, they with a joint consent. 
To a strong hold, that's call'd a fortress went, 
That to their idol's temple appertained — 
Their god calPd Berith, with them highly fani'd. 
They *.vith their idol, void of life or mind, 
Presum'd they might a sure protection find. 

The king, they had so vilely o'er them crown'd, 
Car'd not for them, nor for iheir god renown'd, 
In fuming wrath, he took an axe in hand, 
And told the people under his command, 
To follow him, with an attentive view, 
And act precisely as they saw him do. 
He went with speed — they follow'd him with ease, 
To Zalmon's mount, where grew a grove of trees : 
He cut a bough, and on his shoulder laid ; 
His warriors round him, their attention paid, 
Each cut a branch, as by the monarch taught, 
Which they with speed, down to the fortress brought. 
They laid them round, and then with fury dire, 
Made thorough work, he set the hold on fire : 
All those who thus upon their god presum'd, 
A thousand men and women were consumed. 

Abim'lech thus, elated with success, 
Went on the city Thebez to distress ; 
His valiant forces round the city brought^ 
And took it after he awhile had fought. 

21 



234 GIDEON AND HIS SONS. 

There was within, a tower strong, tis said, 
To this the people, men and women fled ; 
Made fast the door, in this alarming hour, 
And got upon the summit of the tow'r. 
This by Abim'lech's wild ambition view'd, 
Bis own destruction, he, with speed pursued : 
He forward rush'd, while he for glory sought, 
Against the tow'r, with indignation fought : 
Hard by the door, he in his fury came, 
To set the tow'r all on a fiery flame. 

A certain woman, from above, 'tis said, 
Cast down a piece of mill-stone on his head ; 
This quite unlook'd lor, prov'd a fatal stroke, 
Abim lech's skull was by the woman broke. 
He felt the wound was mortal and in pride, 
To him who was his armour-bearer cried, 
** Pray draw thy sword, give me the fatal sting, 
That men say not, a woman slew the king." 
On this, in haste his armour-bearer drew 
His poignant sword, and thrust the monarch through 

So ended this accurs'd usurper's reign-^ 
He fell amidst his wild ambitious strain ; 
And when he ceas'd to bear the royal sway. 
The army was dispers'd without delay. 

The Lord Almighty, who controls with dread, 
His wickedness thus render'd on his head : 
Aveng'd their blood, who in his project vain, 
To wear the crown, he had so vilely slain. 
And all the sin of Shechem's cruel band, 
God punish'd too, with his controlling hand; 
The judgments on them, for transgression great, 
Pour'd like a stream with overflowing fate. 
Thus fell completely on each wicked one. 
The curse of Jolham, Gideon's ycungtst soi>. 



235 



JEPTHTHAH AND HIS DAUGHTEE. 



From Gideon's death, as ancient records say, 
Near half a fleeting cent'ry pass'd away ; 
The Israelites were in a wretched state> 
Of deep transgression, and corruption great : 
For they wrought evil in the Lord's pure sight, 
They worshipped idols with a high delight ; 
Their great protector they refus'd to hear, 
The God of Jacob they would not revere. 

The Lord provok'd at their corrupted state, 
Behold ! his hand upon them fell with weight ; 
He sold them into the Philistines' hands, 
And to the roving Ammonitish bands. 

While thus afflicted, they were humbly led. 
To cry to heav'n ; unto the Lord they said, 
" Lo ! we have sinn'd, forsaken thee our God, 
To Baalim turn'd," and well deserve the rod. 

The Lord then took, in their afflicted state, 
Occasion with them to expostulate, 
Recounting to them, who in vice had grown, 
The great deliv'rance they had often known 5 
" Behold, how oft you have forsaken me, 
Regardless of my mercies great and free : 
Dumb idol gods ye serve and bow before, 
You sure deserve deliverance no more." 

That they might view in depth of their distress 
Their wretched folly, with their wickedness. 
On thus forsaking his Almighty pow'r, 
That oft sustained them in the trying hour, 
And down before such senseless stocks to fall, 
That could not grant them any aid at all, 
He said, " Go cry unto the gods ye chose, 
Let them relieve you from your potent foes." 

This sharp reproof was like a piercing dart^ 
The Israelites were wounded to the heart ; 



236 JEPTHTHAH AND HIS DAUGHTER. 

They bow'd themselves his Majesty before^ 
" Lo, we have sinn'd (they cry'd to him once more) 
Do thou to us what seemeth good — we pray, 
That thou would but deliver us, this day." 

Thus they confess'd, with ^penitential cries, 
And, in their practice, they reform'd likewise— 
In that distressed, humiliating day, 
They put their strange, and lifeless gods away : 
Thus they repented, and with one accord, 
Turn'd to their Great Deliverer — the Lord. 
He heard their cry, and in compassion great, 
Commisseraled his poor people's state : 
And in this scene of deep distress and grief, 
Appointed means that should produce relief. 

We find the restless, cruel Ammonites, 
Made war on the afflicted Israelites : 
The elders of the Gileaditish land, 
Were wanting one, as general to command ; 
And Jepththah was, as very well they knew, 
A man of valour that was great and true : 
They went to Tob, where he had made a stand. 
And of their army offer^d him command. 
That they, on having him head gen'ral, might 
With their invading, cruel neighbours fight. 

When they on him had plac'd the government, 
He to the king of lofty Ammon sent. 
By messens^ers of him made this demand, 
W'hy he came thus to war upon his land ? 

Not heedins: truth, nor its surpassing laws, 
The land was his, he told them, was the cause. 
That Israel's host, when they from Kgypt came, 
Had taken from the Ammonites the same ; 
That he was come but to demand his right. 
And for it he assuredly should fight, 
And take it from them, with the elaught'ring sword, 
Unless it then was peaceably restor'd." 

Jephthah, hereon, by messengers again. 
To open the whole theme to him was fain. 
From the. beginning, that he clearly might. 
Discern that he was in an error quite ; 



99 



JEPHTH/IH AND HIS DAUGHTER. 237 

Show'd him the land was not by Israelites, 
Taken from him, nor from the Ammonites ; 
Concluding thus, " I have not sinn'd (said he, j 
Nor injur'd once the Ammonites nor thee, 
But thou art wrong in coming with thy host, 
And making war on Israels peaceful coast ; 
The Lord be judge between the Israelites, 
And their great foes, invading Ammonites.' 

The haughty Ammonitish king, we find, 
Was avaricious, consequently blind ; 
He would not hear — persisted in his claim. 
Determined Jephthah's confidence to tame. 
Tiie Spirit of the Lord on Jephthah came, 
We greatly animated by the same, 
March'd out in arms against the mighty foe, 
Who ready stood to give the fatal blow. 

But he before the battle join'd, was led, 
To make a vow — to his Creator said : 
** If thou wilt grant me aid that cannot fail, 
That I may over Ammon's host prevail, 
Then it shall be, whatever comes to meet 
Me from my house, when I am in the street, 
When Ammon's pow'r shall over Israel cease, 
And from the battle I return in peace. 
Shall be the Lord's, who gracious is and wise, 
Or 1 will offer it a sacrifice.'' 

This vow thus humbly made for good success, 
By Jephthah, in a season of distress ; 
The battle he with haughty Amnion join'd, 
And lo ! the I^rd for Israel fought, we find : 
Proud Ammon's strength and valour prov'd in vain^ 
Lo ! they were with a dreadful carnage slain. 
And Israel look from Ammon, vile and rude, 
Full twenty cities, and they were subdu'd. 

When this was done, and none to him annoy, 
He was rclnrning to his house with joy, 
AVho should come forth (pleas'd at a scene £0 rare). 
But her uho was his only daughter fair ; 
Who his great vict'ry to congratulate. 
When she beheld him thus return in state, 

2X*= 



23S JEPHTHAH AND HIS DAUGHTER. 

She forth with music, and with dancing came ; 
"U'as only child of this great man of fame. 

But when he saw her, he to mourning went, 
To show his sorrow, he his garment rent : 
*' Said, Oh, my daughter ! I must let thee know, 
Thou hast this day reduc'd me very low 5 
Thy coming at this juncture forth to me, 
Is cause of trouble both to me and thee ; 
For lo ! my mouth I've open'd to the Lord, 
And can't go back from my devoted word." 

*' Well then, my father, since the Lord (said she) 
Hath taken vengeance on thy foes for thee ; 
If thou thy mouth hast open'd to the Lord, 
Perform on me according to thy word ; 
But this one favour on me now bestow, 
Be pleas'd two months to grant me leave to go 
With my companions, to bewail more free, 
Upon the mountains, my virginity." 

The parent granted what the maid desir'd, 
So she upon the mountains then retir'd ; 
And as agreed, did at the two months end, 
"With cheer upon her troubled sire attend : 
He then perform'd with her what he had vow'd, 
" She knew no man," that is, he ne'er allow'd 
His daughter leave to marriage consummate, 
But did her then a virgin consecrate. 
Thenceforth a standing custom it became, 

That Israel's daughters who were maids of fame. 
Went yearly, just four days in ev'ry year. 

To talk with, and this lonely maiden cheer. 
Jephthah has been much sulli'd in his fame, 

And censur'd by some persons of great name, 

For making this, which they will not allow. 

Less than a rash — a quite unlawful vow ; 

And ceusur'd more for being so beguil'd. 

As to perform the same upon his child ; 

On an opinion he was so unwise. 

He offerM her, as a burnt sacrifice. 

Had he indeed, thus to the dame have done. 

He must have into direful evil run, 



JEPHTHAH AND HIS DAUGHTER. 229 

And have for it deserv'd the utmost blame, 
And sentence just of everlasting shame : 
But hard it is (to blot the thought 'tis time) 
That he was guilty of the heinous crime ; 
Or if he was, unpunished go for it, 
And unreprov'd in ancient holy writ. 
Nor can it with sound reason coincide, 
That Jephthah would have been so magnify'd, 
In after days with such peculiar stress, 
For his great faith and working righteousness ; 
With Gideon rank'd, and Barak on the score, 
With Samuel, David, and with many more.* 

Let those to whom the vow may wrong appear, 
Take some plain things in contemplation here : 
'lis said the Spirit of the Lord was laid. 
Or came on Jephthah, ere the vow was made. 
The vow was made conditional, we see, 
As means that might engage the Deity, 
To be with him, and so with him remain. 
That o'er his foes he might a conquest gain ; 
On this the Lord reliev'd him from his woes. 
He answer'd him, and overthrew his foes. 
This sure implies — seems almost to allow. 
That Jephthah's God accepted of the vow ; 
We can't suppose that He who dwells in light. 
Would heed a vow unlawful in his sight. 

Some passages, as learned authors tell. 
Translators have not understood full well ; 
They would the meaning of the myst'ries guess, 
And were sometimes erroneous, all confess. 
If here was one small alteration made, 
'Twould on the subject throw a diff'rent shade. 
This change some good translators make and view. 
That it is far the most correct and true ; 
Instead of ** And I'll offer it,'' to read,f 
As in the margin, much more fit indeed, 
" Or I will offer," — It is here suppos'd. 
That Jephthah when he first the vow propos'd, 

* Heb. xi. t Judges si. 31. 



240 JEPHTHAH AND HIS DAUGHTER, 

A due regard unto the subject paid — 
If fit or not for a burnt-offering weighed : 
That if what from his house to meet him came^ 
Unlawful were to sacrifice ; the same 
Should then be dedicated, was his word, 
Or consecrated to the gracious Lord ; 
But if the thing for sacrifice were fit, 
For a burnt-offering he would offer it. 

According to the ancient law, we find, 
None were allow'd to sacrifice mankind ; 
And beasts and birds unclean were not allow 'd, 
For sacrifices, yet they might be vow 'd, 
And afterwards redeemed, if they would pay, 
The valuation that the priest should say ; 
If it was not the vower's choice fweVe told) 
To pay the ransom, then they might be sold."*^ 

VV hatever was the vow- that Jephthah made, 
Or obligation on himself he laid, 
That he did not thereon incur the stain, 
Of having his beloved daughter slain ; 
But only her, unto the Lord who's great, 
Did in a special manner consecrate, 
By a continual single life, that she, 
Might serve no other but the Deity, 
Has been avow'd as the opinion clear, 
Of very many learned and sincere, 
On whose sound judgment, let us now confide^; 
Since fairly by the sacred text imply'd. 

Besides the crime unnatural, all despise. 
Of making her a bloody sacrifice. 
Contrary to the law, well understood, "f 
And sentiments of all the wise and good ; 
Which was not made against the sin most dire:, 
Of sacrificing children in the fire, 
To Moloch only, (in man's doleful fall) 
But letting them pass thro' the fire at all ; 
A heathen practice, in their blindness great, 
Which Israel was forbid to imitate. 

• Xevit. ss^-ii, i Lcvit. xviii. 21, 



JEPHTHAH AND HIS DAUGHTER. S4$ 

We here behold, the humble youthful fair, 
On healing what was laid on her to bear, 
When she the theme so readily allow'd, 
And approbated what her father vow'd, 
She ask'd not her fond parent to consent, 
That she might her untimely death lament, 
Which would have been, most probably, her cry. 
If she had been by the decree to die ; 
But ask'd to mourn o'er her virginity, 
That she must live, a virgin by decree : 
Which was, among the Israelii ish fair, 
View'd as reproachful, and as hard to bear. 

We note, that after she two months had spent. 
That she might her virginity lament. 
And to her father she returned again. 
And as he vow'd, he had performed, with painj 
It follows clearly what had taken place, 
"She knew no man" of all the human race ; 
This shows that he, when he his vow obey d, 
A prohibition on his daughter laid, 
Throuorhout the course of her devoted life. 
From the sweet solace known to man and wife. 

Now Israel's daughters yearly went, with care. 
In lamentation for the youthful fair: 
Hence, some, without necessity, are led, 
To apprehend that she indeed was dead. 
They might as well her virgin life lament, 
As she herself once to bemoan it went. 
" To talk with her," we in the margin find — 
To read it so the learned are inclin'd. 
'Tis renderM (said the learned Ellwood) thus, 
By Pagnine, and by Arias Montanus ; 
So Junius, and Tremellius, both translate : 
By which it may be view'd with reason great, 
She was alive long after (as allow'd) 
Her father had accomplish'd what he vow'd. 
^^ To speak to her, discourse with her," indeed, 
As most consistent with the text, they read : 
And positive is Broughton, learn'd and wise, 
That lie did not his daughter sacrifice. 



£42 fAMPSO!^. 

From matrimony an injunction laid-^ 
His daughter a perpetual virgm made. 
Tremellius — Junius, learned men and great. 
Why this was done, a candid reason slate : 
The married life he would not her allow, 
Lest she whom he devoted by his vow, 
And consecrated by a covenant strong, 
Should e'er to any but the Lord belong. 

And Dr. Brown, the learned and sincere. 
That Jephthah saciific'd his daughter dear, 
Has, as a quite erroneous notion, hurl'd 
Among the vulgar errors of the world; 
Which he refutes, as an opinion vain, 
By scripture clear, and reason sound and plaitt* 

A learned author, in past days, call'd Ness, 
Has also written on the theme with stress; 
'Twas his belief, with many in his day. 
That Jephthah did not take her life away — 
Devoted her (according to his word) 
A consecrated virgin to the Lord. 

SAMPSON. 



-4^-->- 



About the time of Jephthah's vict'ry great. 
Was Sampson born, as men of judgment state ; 
Who for his strength, that frequently was shovvn^ 
Exceeded all the world has ever known. 
We find that Sampson was the last of those 
Who to renown for mighty deeds arose, 
As judges or defenders of the state, 
Produc'd in fcrael for the purpose great. 
The rest were rais'd, against their foes to stand, 
When greatly wanted in the burdened land ; 
But this was promis'd, ere the child was born. 
To bring deliv'rance to the land forlorn. 



SAMPSON. 243 

This Sampson was Manoah's son we traccj 
or Zurah's town, and of the Danites race. 
JliOfig barren was the wife Manoah cheer'd, 
The angel of the Lord to her appear d : 
Of things unlook'd for, he informed her one 
Of consequence — that she should bear a son ; 
That he from birth — from time he saw the light, 
Should be to God ; a sacred Nazarite — 
That he'd begin, in an auspicious hour, 
To save his country from Philistine pow'r ; 
For in their hand, the Lord, some time beforCj 
Delivered Israel for transgressions sore. 
The angel added, relative to fare, 
That she herself should take especial care. 
To drink no wine, nor drink that's strong and keen- 
Abstain from eating any thing unclean. 

At this, the woman was surprised indeed, 
She sought her husband, vyith the greatest speed. 
" There came," she said, *' a man of God to me, 
(For so she took the angel then to be) 
His countenance was terrible, and glovv'd, 
Much like an angel from the high abode: 
1 took not leave to ask him whence he came. 
And he gave me no knowledge of his name." 
When she had thus her husband's mind prepared, 
The angel's message she to him declar'd. 

Manoah glad, as at a bounty won. 
That he should have, beyond his hope, a son— 
His joy increas'd to Iiear the sacred word, 
The sop should be devoted to the Lord ; 
That he should rise — as a deliv'rer stand, 
And Israel aid from the oppressor's hand. 
The message in unshaken faith received ; 
That it would be accomplished he believ'd ; 
Yet apprehending they might be beguii'd. 
Or some way err, in bringing up the child, 
For counsel fresh, he piously appli'd, 
And to the King omniscient he cried, 
*' O Lord, be pleas'd to send to us, once more, 
T^e man of God, who made us glad before^ 



244 SAMPSON. 

To teacb us what shall for tlie child be donci 
That we may not in any error run." 

The Lord an ear to this petition lent, 
Most graciously the holy angel sent, 
\\ ho in a field came to the worthy fair ; 
As she alone was humbly sitting there. 
When she with joy, again beheld the man, 
To tell the news to her companion ran. 
Then, with his wife, advanc'd the pious Jew, 
To have the truly pleasing interview. 
When he arriv'd, he fairly understood 
From the man's mouth (who was an angel good) 
That he himself was certainly the same, 
W'ho to his wife, with a kind message came. 
" Now let thy word." Manoah said, " prove true, 
Infornr us clearly what we have to do; 
How we shall order this devoted child, 
And not to err, or be at all beguil'd." 

** Thy wife, (said he) must well observe her fare 
And, of the things 1 warn'd her of. beware, 
She must not eat what cometh of the vine, 
Let her observe to quite abstain from wine — 
From all strong drink, and things unclean in kind, 
All I commanded, let her strictly mifld." 

Manoah had not entertained a thought, 
That they were by a holy angel taught ; 
Upon him press'd awhile with them to stay, 
Till they some food could get without delay. 
The angel then in language that was plain, 
Repli'd to him, " Though thou should rae detain^ 
Yet 1 will not upon thy meat be fed. 
Nor yet partake of any of thy bread : 
If thou shouldst choose to make a sacrifice, 
Jt must be offer'd to the Lord all-wise. 

Still thinking this was but a man of fame, 
Manoah ask'd, if he would tell his name; 
** That when thy sayings verified appear, 
" We may an honour render thee with cheer." 
The angel would not giant him his desire, 
Said, " 'Tis a secret— why dost thou inquire ?" 



SAMPSON. 245 

Manoah, therefore, this no further press*d, 
He took a kid, and a meat-off'ring dress'd : 
Upon a rock he offered it (with cries) 
Unto the Lord an humble sacrifice. 

The angel then intending to proceed, 
Himself discover'd, wonderful indeed ! 
For when the flame from off the altar went, 
Toward the heav'ns, he made a quick ascent ! 
He who in most propitious kindness came, 
Then took his leave — ascended in the flame 
Unto the lucid, and the blissful shore ! 
And he appeared to them again no more. 

That he was from the high abode they found, 
And fell upon their faces to the ground. 
The sight, indeed, was marv'lous in their eyes, 
It gave them both a wonderful surprise. 
The man exclaim'd, in consternation high, 
" We have seen God and we shall surely die !" 
(For in those days, 'twas thought a fatal thing, 
For human eyes to see the heavenly KingJ 
But he was wisely answer'd by his wife, 
"If God were pleas'd to take away our life, 
He would not thus have listen'd to our cries, 
Nor from our hands receiv'd a sacrifice : 
Nor would he have such gracious favours shown, 
Things that are great and marvellous made known. 

In times of the Mosaic, outward law. 
When people with external vision saw, 
Wisdom divine, in condescension great, 
To man's ideas, in his exterior state. 
Sometimes sent angels in a human shape. 
To teach men what to do — what to escape. 
But now that law, adapted to their view, 
Is superseded by a covenant new, 
Which is a law that we distinctly find, 
Engraven deeply on the human mind, 
Or heart of man — an intellectual lightj 
That's risen to dispel the gloom of night. 
Messiah came on earth, and pass'd away. 
And sent his spirit for the gospel-day : 

22 



246 SAMPSON. 

It shines within, and leads to life and love— = 
The mansions of felicity above. 
The outward covenant is therefore withdrawn, 
And angels from the human view are gone : 
Though Christ appeared on this terrestrial shore, 
Henceforth we know him in the flesh no more. 

Awhile from this, arrivM the joyful morn, 
When in the world the promis d- son was born ; 
He who exceeded all mankind in fame 
For mighty strength — they Sampson callM his name. 
And heavenly favour did upon him rest — ' 
In early life he wondrously was blest. 
The Spirit of the Lord began to move 
On him at times, hismarv'lous strength to prove, 
M' hile but a youth he in the camp of Dan, 
Show'd his great pow'r, stupendous in a man. 

When Sampson grew to man's estate, 'tis said, 
He in his travels was to Timnath led. 
We understand this was a populous place, 
That appertain'd to the Philistine race. 
He saw, and greatly was enamour'd there, 
With a young virgin, who was very fair. 
When he came home, his heart toward her rolPd, 
His father and his mother of her told ; 
And as he wanted happiness in life, 
He wish'd they would obtain her for his \vife : 
For tho' abroad he let a vvand'ring eye, 
He would not yet so far from order fly, 
As, till he could his parents leave obtain, 
To bind himself with hymen's lasting chain. 

Not understandi*g that the Deity, 
Had in his wisdonf sufi*ef'd this to be, 
That he occasion f-might, some future hour, 
Take on their foes, who over them had pow'r, 
His parents ask'd him, if he could not place 
His heart on one that was of Israel's race ; 
That he must fall into an error grand. 
And take a wife from the Philistines' land. 
But Sampson seem'd her very much to prize, 
Because she was so pleasant in his eyes, 



SAMPSON. 



247. 



" Gel her (said he) for I may frankly tell, 
I like the youthful pleasing damsel well.'^ 

Ere long, young Sampson his kind parents drew 
To Timnath, this Philistine maid to view ; 
And with her parents to negotiate, 
That Sampson might enjoy her for a mate. 
As he went on, with an enamour'd mind, 
(His parents either forward, or behind,) 
From Timnath's vineyards, lo ! there roar'd at him^ 
A Hon that was resolute and grim. 
When Sampson this most furious creature saw, 
Whose presence strikes both man and beast with awe', 
The Spirit of the Lord upon him came, . 
He then engag'd the animal of fame, 
With courage fac'd the hungry lion's paws. 
Regardless of the terror of his jaws ; 
Although he bad no weapon for the fight, 
The combat truly, was unequal quite : 
Our youthful hero, who was strong and bold.. 
Took of this terror of the forest hold ; 
The lion soon upon the ground was dead, 
He rent him like the parting of a thread : 
So ended this quite unexpected fray, 
And then he join'd his parents on the way. 
But though he had this signal battle won^ 
He did not tell his parents what he'd done. 

Forthwith they to the city Timnath came, 
And he was still delighted with the dame ; 
No one but her was pleasing in his eyes, 
She must indeed, be his connubial prize : 
The match was then concluded on, and they, 
To their abode returned without delay. 

Ere long again, he and his parents went, 
To solemnize the marriage, their intent ; 
Right on the passage Timnath's vineyards lav. 
Where he and lion had the rapid fray, 
He turn'd aside, his lifeless foe to view, 
And though an instance singular, 'tis true, . 
When he arriv'd upon the battle ground, 
He, in the carcass, bees and honey found : 



248 SAMPSON. 

Of which he took some in his hands, for food. 
And went on eating honey, sweet and good. 
When he o'ertook his parents on the road, 
Some of the honey he on them bestow'd; 
But still he did not to his parents name, 
That in a carcass he procured the same. 

When come to Timnath, Sampson and bis fair, 
United hands, to make a happy pair: 
'Twas consummated with no small parade, 
A marriage feast for seven days he made ; 
This was, 'tis said, on such occasions then, 
A custom with young oriental men. 
The maid's relations, on the other hand, 
Brought thirty men, for his companions ^rand ; 
All sprightly youths of the Philistine race, 
That they the joyful niarriage feast might ^race : 
To these the bridegroom offer'd to propound 
A riddle, which, if they the meaning found. 
And would indeed the same to him declare, 
Within the seven days of feasting there. 
Then lie on them would thirty sheets bestow, 
And of apparel thirty suits also ; 
But if the riddle was beyond their reach. 
They should to him as many give of each* 

This was a sort of < ntertainujent then, 
Said not unusual with the youthful men. 
On such occasions, pleasant in their eyes. 
To pass the time — their talents exercise. 
To Sampson's terms the men agreed with cheer, 
Replying said, ''Let us thy riddle hear." 
As they did freely with his terms unite, 
He told this riddle, with no small delight : 
*' Out of the eater came forth meat for food. 
And from the strong came sweetness" — rich and good. 
This greatly puzzled earh Philistine head. 
And soon they to anxiety were led 
The first three days they on the subject wrought, 
And found that all tiiey made of it was nought : 
To lose the bet was wounding to their pride : 
With shameful meanness they beset the bride, 



SAMPSON. 



249 



Did her indeed, illiberally, upbraid, 
Thai she. and friends a trap for ihem had laid ; 
Invited th^rn to their grand wedding, sure, 
That they from them migbi their estates allure. 
" Entice thy spouse (said they to her) that he 
May tell the meaning of the thing to thee, 
Tliat thou to us the mysl'ry may unfoM — 
If thi>u refusest—dost the thing withhold, 
We then will burn thee, in our anger dire. 
And all thy father's family with fire." 

On this the bride to weeping fell before 
Her husband, with a lamentation sore ; 
That he, most surely, hated her, complain'd, 
And lov'd her not, as he had often feignd ; 
He had put forth a riddle, and behold ! 
Had not to her the explanation told. 
'* f have not told my par*'nts this (said he) 
Must I, aias ! the secret tell to thee ?" 
This mode of reasoning would not ease the bride, 
For she continu'd weeping by his side, 
Earh day, until the seventh of the feast — 
Slie lay so sofe, he could not be releas'd : 
So he to her explain'd the secret then, 
And she divulg'd it to her countrymen. 
They thereupon, in time to win the bet. 
Came to him just before the sun was set, 
" What is more sweet than honey f to him said, 
'' Or what is stronger than a lion dread .^'* 
By this he knew, as sure as he had life, 
They'd been inform'd by his Philistine wife : 
" Had ye not with my heifer, ploughed (said he) 
Ye had not known, nor solv'd the mystery." 

He thus by his Philistine wife betray *d. 
And to his guests an angry debtor made ; 
What then occurr'd to his heroic mind, 
Was, where he should the sheets and raiment find. 
And now the spirit of the Lord's great name, 
I\Iost mightily on potent Sampson came. 
His strength and courage paralleld by none, 
He went down to the city Ashkelon, 

2?* 



550 SAMPSON. 

On them he like most awful lightning flew, 
And thirty men of the Philistines slew ; 
He took the spoil, the garments that he found, 
And gave to those who did the theme expound. 
Our hero s anger hot indeed was grown, 
At the Philistuies, for their rudeness shown, 
He Timnath left, in bitter discontent. 
And to his father's habitation went. 

Though Sampson had a just offence conceiv'd. 
Against the people, who had him aggriev'd ; 
And notwithstanding the Philistines' strife, 
He yet retain'd affection lor his wife; 
And some time after, down to Timnath went, 
To visit her was his benign intent : 
T«' prove that he had Tiot his wife forsook, 
A kid with him he for a present took. 
When he to her prepard to go to bed, 
Her father would not suffer him ; but said, 
" 1 thought that thou hadst quite forsook thy matej 
Abandon'd her forever to her fate ; 
1 therefore her to thy companion gave. 
But let there be no trouble now, I crave ; 
Her younger sister fairer is than she. 
Take her for wife, is my advice to thee." 

If Sampson s anger was enflam'd before, 
This was not likely coolness to restore: 
He thought (so high the provocation rose) 
Should he now injure his Philistine foes. 
In his retort, they could not for the same. 
In sober reason, lay on him the blame. 
He soon away to seek revenge was led, 
He caught three hundred foxes, it is said ; 
To turn the foxes tail to tail, he plannM, 
Between the two to fix a fiery brand : 
When this accordirjg to his scheme was done. 
He let the foxes from him swiftly run 
Into the fields of standing crops of wheat, 
That the Philistines reckon'd on to eat. 
Thus was their grain burnt by the sweeping flame, 
Their vineyards and their olives shai' d the same* 



SAMPSON. ' 251 

When the Philistines saw the dreadful spoil— 
Their grievous losses after all their toil, 
They made inquiry who the deed had done, 
And found the mischief was perform d by one 
Nam'd Sampson, married to a Timnite fair, 
Because her father, with a rudeness rare, 
Had taken from him his dear wile, of late, 
And given her to his associate. 
On hearing this, the rude Philistines came, 
With anger raging like a burning flame. 
They in Philistine fury, that was dire, 
Consumed her and her father's house with fire. 
Thus they reveng'd her husband on her sore. 
Who to preserve herself and sire before, 
From being burnt by them, who rudely sway*dj 
Had her own kusband unto them betray'd. 

However just this might appear to all, 
It gave fresh cause for some of them to fail. 
For Sampson, who was not to be controPd, 
In his displeasure, the Phihstines told, 
*' For your vile deeds, that my displeasure drew,_ 
I'll be avengd, most certainly, on you. 
Then falling on, he smote them hip and thigh, 
With carnage great — most doleful was the cry, 
To the Philistines, cruel, rude, and mean, 
A most destructive, terrifying scene. 
By *' hip and thigh," some understand (we find) 
Both horse and foot — some others are inclined 
To take it for an old proverbial speech. 
That would the greatness of the slaughter teach. 

W hen Sampson thus his potent foes had slain, 
He thought he would no longer there remain, 
But went and dwelt, where he was less afraid — 
On the rock Etam, his abode he made. 
The proud Philistines, in a flacne like fire. 
To punish Sampson, with a vengeance dire. 
Went with a host to Judah's tribe, and spread. 
At their approach, a great alarm and dread. 
The men of Judah, ask'd them, in distress. 
Why they were come their country to oppress i 



252 SAMPSON. 

" To Sarapson bind"; (they pertly answered thus) 
" To do to him as he hath done to us ' 

The men of Judah, when they view'd the thing, 
Concluded this would new affliction bring, 
Three thousand men forth from their tribe they sent, 
To bind the hero was their full intent, 
To give him up to their oppressive foes, 
Whom they had not the courage to oppose. 

To Sampson these upon Muunt Etam came, 
And thus address'd the mighty man of fame ; 
" Dost thou not know tliis is a trying hour r* 
We bear the weight of the Philistine pow r : 
Why hast thou this alarming mischief done. 
In causing them our land to overrun f'' 
*' I only acted to my foes (said he) 
As they have done in their despite to me/' 
** We now are come to bind thee fast (said they) 
To give thee up to enemies who sway." 

To use his strength, the hero was not led, 
Against his brethren; he unto them said, 
*' Swear now you'll not, in any shape at all. 
On me, yourselves, make an attempt to fall, 
Obedience then, I'll not indeed, refuse — 
Bind me securely, to complete your views." 
They promised him most solemnly that they, 
" Would not attempt to him abuse or slay, 
But that they were to nothing more inclin'd. 
Than just to take, and him securely bind, 
And give him up, the anger to allay. 
Of their great foes, who over them had sway." 
On which he yielding unto them, they bound 
Him with two cords, that were both nvw and sound; 
Brought Sampson from the noted rock away, 
Forth to the camp where the Philistines lay. 

.When they beheld, in this delightlul hour, 
Him firmly bound — completely in their pow'r, 
Their hearts exulted with Philistine pride, 
T heir highflovvn joy by shouting testifid. 
This Sampson heard, and soon increas'd his fame-. 
On him the spirit of the Lord then came, 



SAMPSON. 

With such great might, to their astonishment, 
The cords that were upon bis arms, he rent 
Like burning flax ; and lo ! the weU made bands, 
W ere quickly loosen d from his nervous bands ! 
'Twas then an ass's new jaw-bone he found, 
A weapon not in any war renown'd, 
He caught it up — with vigour on them flew^ — 
A thousand of his enemies he slew. 
By this our hero sali^fi'd his friends, 
His freedom gain'd, and the invasion ends, 
^his was indeed, a most stupendous ftat, 
But he was by his exercise and h(^dt, 
O'ercome with thirst, that was extreme indeed, 
Where he could find no water in his need j 
Here he unto Almighty pow'r was led, 
Cry'd to the Lord, in his distres's, and said, 
** Lo ! thou hast granted this dehv'rduce great^ 
To thy poor servant, in his lonely state, 
And shall I die for thirst, or after all, 
Into the hands of the Philistines fall f 
The Lord then heard, who potent is to save, 
An hollow place within the jau- he clave ; 
There came out water, and forthwith he drank, 
And had fresh cause kind Provide nee to thauk: 
When he partook of this delicious store, 
He found revival of his strength once more. 

Bold Saoipson forthwith went to Gaza down, 
A city grf.at-,or large Philistine town. 
One night he took his lodging with a fair 
Who kept a house of entertainment there : 
That he was come the watchful Gazites found, 
And took that time the hero to surround : 
All night for him they quietly laid wait. 
With strict attention at the city gate, 
In hopes ihat they (regardless of his might) 
Should rise and kill him at the morning light. 
He notice had they sought him thus to slay, 
Yet he in bed till gloomy midnight lay ; 
Then rising went forth to the eiiy gate, 
Pluck' d up the posts — a most prodigious weight. 



^^-S 



254 SAMPSON. 

The guards on hearing of the cracking sound, 
Made their escape, with terror from the ground. 
Doors, posts, and bars, by which all fast were made. 
He took with speed and on his shoulders haid. 
This njassy burden, he, without delay, 
Took to a hill that toward Hebron lay. 
So he escap d the mischief they designed, 
But trouble found him, of a heavy kind. 

Awhile from this he went to Sorek's vale, 
And there had cause his errors to bewail. 
He with Delilah deeply fell in love. 
Who seem'd more precious than a harmless dove. 
Soon as the lords of the Philistines grand, 
Wliere Sampson's haunt was came to understand, 
They to Delilah application made, 
And let her know she Should be richly paid, 
Could she allure her lover great, to say, 
"Wherein his most prodigious vigour lay ; 
And by what means, that men could e'er devise, 
He might be bound, and captur'd as a prize. 
They each would then, that she at ease might live 
Eleven hundred silver shekels give : 
There being five who fill'd the princess seat, 
'Twould be live times the mention'd sum complete. 
The total then would reach, in dollars bright, 
To fifteen hundred twenty-seven quite. 

This bait faii'd not the woman to procure, 
To spread her wiles the champion to allure. 
By the Philistines, silver offer led, 
"When she had Sampson by herself, she said. 
*'Tell me, I pray, where lies thy strength renown'd, 
With what thou mighi'st, to make thee fast, be bound." 
He chose to baffle this officious fair. 
And not the ground of his great strength declare : 
*' If f, (said he) should be securely bound, 
With sev'n green withs, that are completely sound, 
(To overpowV me this must be the plan) 
I should be feeble as another man." 

This she imparted to the noble lords, 
Who brought her seven undried withes, for cords : 



SAMPSON. 



255 



With these Delilah potpnt Sampson bound, 

To give tiim up, to have the fatal wound. 

To seize on him in his defenceless state, 

She in the house had men who lay in wait. 

And then alann'd him — loudly calFd his name ; 

** Thy foes be on thee, Sampson' — said tUe dame. 

He then as from a sleepy fit awoke, 

And starting up, the seven withes he broke ; 

The ease with which they parted, v as the same. 

As threads of tow are sever'd by a flame. 

So the PhiHstines yet were in dismay, 

It was not known wherein bis vigour lay. 

Delilah, disappointed of her prize, 
Told him he mock'd her, and had told her lies, 
And therefore wish d him, with a heart more sound, 
To tell her truly how he might be bound. 
He told her then, (to put her off his view) 
If he was bound with ropes entirely new, 
Such as had never once been us'd, he then 
Should lose his strength, and be as other men. 
She try'd what then could be performed with ropes, 
Bound hirn therewith — of silver yet in hopes. 
He then was wak'd by his enchanting fair, 
Who told him the Philistines on him were ; 
He snapped the ropes ,as soon as that was said) 
^rom off his most stupendous arms, like thread. 

Delilah then complain'd to him again, 
That he had mock'd her, by illusions vain, 
She wish'd that he, no more her heart would wound. 
But tell her truly how he might be bound. 
Unwilling to a woman's pow'r to yield. 
And that the secret might not be reveal'd ; 
He told her, with a web to weave ('tis said) 
The seven locks that were upon his head. 
This soon was done, and she secur'd his hair, 
So platted with the loom pin, that was there. 
(To think it was by this informing word, 
A weaver's house, is not at all absurd J 
Tb^^ woman then, his energy to try, 
^' Thy foes be on thee, Sampson," was her cry. 



256 \ SAMPSON. 

He thus alarm'd. awaking from his sleep, 
From where he had been lolling, took a leap>, 
And went away, on this unlook'd for shock, 
The pin and web were hanging at his lock. 
It had, it seems, his practice been to tell, 
His dear Delilah that he lov'd her well ; 
With which she did upon him pertly play, 
And ask'd him how he possibly could say, 
He lov'd her vtell^-tlns was from truth a fall, 
Because his he^irt was not with her at all ; 
** F««rlhou hast thus deluded me (said she) 
Three times, and hast not yet described to me, 
"Wherein consists thy strength to slay thy foes, 
Tho' thou declared, thou wouldst the thing disclose.^ 

She pressed him daily with this kind of strife — 
Urg d him until quite weary ot his life. 
At length she forc'd him to unveil his heart, 
He did to her the mystery impart. 

Completely conquerVl by the fair, he said, 
No razor had yet come upim his head ; 
F<jr he had been, to God, a Nazarire, 
From the first hour of his existence quite : 
To shave his hair would be the only plan, 
To make him feeble, like another man. 

Delilah knew she had her end obtain'd, 
That this came from theconquer'd man unfeignM> 
She sent, with joy, one who a message bore 
Unto the lords, to come to her once more, 
That they might, doubtless, from their foe be freed, 
For she the secret had obtain d indeed. 

Then hasten'd to her each Philistine lord, 
And brought the silver, for her high reward. 
By fair Delilah's fascinations deep, 
She luird our hero on her lap to sleep, 
Then cans d a man she had provided there^ 
To shave from him his seven locks of hair. 
When this was done, she to afflict him try'd, 
" Thy foes, O Sampson, are upon thee,'' cry'd. 
He thereupon out of his sleep awoke, 
** 1 will go fortlb, (were then the words he spoke) 



SAMPSON. 



25t 



And shake myself, as I was us'd to do :" 

Not knowing that the Lord from him withdrew, 

Until he felt his impotence and need — - 

He found, alas ! his strength was gone indeed. 

Thus, he who slew a lion bold and wild, 

And by his vigour, had an army foil'd, 

Was now, for want of watchfulness and care, 

Beguil'd and ruin'd by a luring fair ! 

" The women are the strongest, " it was said ; 

Let all the harm of bad companions dread : 

May this dire case a warning be to all — 

Let those who stand, be guarded, lest they fall. 

This was a scene that the Philistines pleas'd, 
His strength was gone, and they upon him seiz'd : 
To make quite sure of their prodigious prize, 
They put out the enfeebled Sampson's eyes; 
Brought him, with speed, to Gaza, and alas ! 
Bound him in fetters, made of firmest brass ; 
With great rejoicing, then, in ev'ry mind, 
Put him in prison, where they made him grind. 

Awhile from this, the rulers of the land. 
Who were the lords of the Philistines grand, 
Assembled those who liv'd remote and near, 
To have a time of rendezvous and cheer ; 
To offer, on the taking of their prize, 
To their god Dagon, a great sacrifice. 
This Dagon was their common god, 'tis said. 
Had from his navel, upwards to the head, 
The form of man, and of a fish below — 
An idol that could nothing see or know. 
To him the lords, in high Philistine glee, 
Ascrib'd the capture of their enemy. 
The people also to rejoice were led, 
They, fiU'd with praises of their Dagon, said, 
** Our gracious god hath granted us release, 
From the destroyer of our country's peace — 
We now, confin'd with brazen bands can view, 
Our potent ^oe, who very many slew.'' 

When they had thus their feast awhile enjoy'd, 
Their hearts were merry, but they were not cioy'd : 

23 



258 S^AMPSON. 

It was indeed a great rejoicing day — 

" Call Sampson out, to make us sport," said they. 

Then he was from the gloomy prison brought, 

That they might be with sweet diversion fraught; 

Two massy pillars he was set between, 

On which the house stood, where he might be seen j 

The house where they assembled with parade ; 

Where they rejoic'd, and great diversion made. 

The lords, not only, all were present then, 
The house was fill'd with women and with men ; 
But it would not by any means contain, 
The multitude that would admittance gain ; 
About three thousand, men and women too. 
Had plac'd themselves upon the roof, to view 
To more advantage, this delicious flow 
Of sport, then made with their imprison'd foe, 
Here fancy rose, to a stupendous height — 
Here was rejoicing, with a proud delight ! 

Our hero's locks, that he had lost with pain. 
Was, by this time, a little grown again : 
And as his hair had thus increased in length, 
He had augmented also in his strength. 
And doubtless at their rude insulting cries, 
His indignation to a flame would rise. 
He ask'd the lad that led him by the hand, 
If he would let him by the pillars stand. 
He stood not long against the same to rest. 
Ere he the Great Creator thus address'd : 
*' O Lord my God, remember me this day. 
Be pleas'd this once, to strengthen me, 1 pray ; 
O, grant assistance — listen to my cries. 
To be aveng'd for my two precious eyes. 

He feeling an increase of strength, grew bold, 
And took of the two middle pillars hold, 
The main supporters of the house, or frame, 
To try his utmost strength upon the same. 
When he had got of the said pillars hold, 
"With his right hand and with his left, we're told, 
Prepared complete, he then was heard to cry, 
" Let me indeed, with the Philistines die." 



RUTH. 



259 



And with that word, the pillars he removed, 
A < Marvellous, wondrous, awful scene it provM ] 
He gave his foes a sudden fatal dash — 
The house fell down, with a tremendous crashj 
The men and women, in their glory vain — •" 
The lords, and all the multitude were slain. 
The number kill d, at his sad death, were more 
Than all he'd slain, in his whole life, before. 

Thus ended Sampson, who as it appears, 
Had judg'd the Israelites for twenty years-: 
He sure began to free his land from those, 
Who long had been his country's cruel foes, 
Who over them with rigour great conlrol'd, 
Just as the angel, ere his birth, foretold. 

When Sampson's brethren heard that he was dead. 
They came, with all his father's house, 'tis said, 
And took the corpse, which homeward they convey'd, 
And Sampson in his father's tomb was laid. 

RUTH. 



While judges over Israel had command, 
A grievous famine overspread the land ; 
This time of want occasion'd one of them, 
Elimelech, who dwelt in Bethlehem ; 
That he, in life, some better fare might find, 
To take Naomi, his companion kind, 
iMahlon and Chilion, sons belov'd indeed, 
With these he did to Moab's land proceed. 
Their good was not by this remove increas'd, 
For, in that land, Elimelech deceas'd. 
The sons not pleas'd to be alone in life, 
Took in that country each of them a wife ; 
Young Chilion's spouse of Orpah bore the name, 
And MahlOn's, Ruth, the one who rose to fame. 



200 RUT». 

Ten years revolv'd, when bitter scenes increased. 
For, in that region, both her sons deceas'd. 
Thus poor Naomi, in that country strange, 
Met with a sad. and most afflicting change, 
She was of husband, and of sons bereft, 
And in a state of deep affliction left ; 
A scene of grief, most trying to be borne — 
Three widows, in one family, to mourn ! 

She not contented longer there to stay. 
Where temporal joys had vanish'd quite away, 
And understanding that the famine sore, 
For which she left her native land, was o'er, 
Set forward, from that country to withdraw, 
With her two daughters, by the marriage law. 

While they were thus advancing on the road. 
Toward the sad Naomi's old abode, 
She calmly thought (which brought her to a stand) 
Tho' she w^as going to her native land, 
Her daughters were departing from their own, 
Bound to a region quite to them unknown. 
She counsell'd them, in love sincere and true, 
With her that road no longer to pursue. 
But each return, where they might better fare, 
To their old homes, and to their mother's care. 
To show, it was for their own sake that she, 
W^)uld thus be parted from their company, 
In love that to her daughters freely flovv'd, 
Maternal blessings she on them bestow'd : 
" O may the Lord deal graciously with you, 
As to your husbands ye were kind and true ; 
As you have dealt with my dear sons and me. 
May your reward and consolation be. 
The Lord grant you, that ye sweet rest may find, 
Each in the dweUing of her husband kind." 
That is, may marry to your heart's content — 
Once more enjoy a, happy settlement. 
Then kissing them, as taking her adieu. 
They could no longer bear the parting view, 
But rais'd their voices with a weeping heart. 
Assured her they could not consent to part— 



RUTH. 



1261 



That they with pleasure, would through ev'ry toil. 
Be her companions to her native soil. 

Naomi laboured further to persuade, 
That her advice might be by them obey'd : 
At length we find, her arguments sincere, 
PrevaiPd on Orpah her advice to hear, 
Who with a flow of briny tears, in pain. 
Took leave and turn'd to Moab's land again. 

But no persuasion would prevail on Ruth, 
Who lov'd her mother almost as the truth — 
No arguments could this fair damsel draw, 
From cleaving firmly to her mother in-law ! 
And that her mother might no more be led. 
To press the subject, she with firmness said, 
" Entreat me not from thee to separate. 
For where thou goest, I will on thee wait ; 
Thy habitation my abode shall be — 
Thy people mine, thy God my Deity : 
Where thou shalt end, to. die shall be my doom, 
And by thy side shall be my silent tomb; 
The Lord forbid, that any object here, 
But death, should part me from my mother dear." 

When the sincere Naomi now perceived. 
Her daughter Ruth so firmly to her cleavM, 
To walk not only in the path she trod, 
But to adhere to Israel's mighty God ; 
The great Supporter thro' afflictions sore, 
She press'd the theme of turning back no more. 
'1 he way in union was pursu'd by them. 
To her old home, the city Bethlehem. 

W hen they came thither, where, as it appears, 
Naomi and her spouse, in former years. 
Had liv'd in note, and fashion that was good. 
Soon her return was widely understood. 
Her neiglibours came, in true regard, that glow'd, 
To make her welcome to her old abude. 

Naomi h^-ard them call her name, and sigh'd, 
Which beautiful or pleasant e^ignify'd ; 
She. in the sense of her affliction., led, 
" O call me not Naomi now ('she said) 

23* 



262 



RUTH. 



But call me Mara — bitter, said to be, 

The Lord hath dealt most bitterly with me.'' 

I went out full, with spouse and children too, 

The Lord hath brought me empty home to you, 

In deep affliction, totally undone ; 

I now have neither husband, nor a son. 

When barley-harvest first began with them, 
The sad Naomi came to Bethlehem ; 
And Ruth, the humble Moabitess fair, 
Tho' poor, when she came with her mother therej 
Was yet, indeed, of an industrious mood, 
And chose to work, to get a livelihood : 
She ask'd Naomi, in the trying scene, 
Permission, in some harvest field to glean ; 
Or gather ears among the seatter'd grain, 
Wherever she the favour might obtain. 
To this request Naomi gave consent ; 
To look a place forthwith the damsel went 5 
Such was her fortune in the,.field she came, 
Of Boaz kind, a man of wealth and fame. 

One who was in true piety sincere, 

A-kin to the deceas'd Elimelech near. 

There Ruth (who was from worldly grandeur vvean'( 

Behind the reapers of rich Boazglean'd. 
This had not long engag'd the worthy dame, 

Ere Boaz to survey his workmen came ; 

He seem'd to be most seriously imprest, 

Saluted them, not with an airy jest, 

Or frothy How — keen-cutting taunt or jeer, 

Like some, ungrateful for a blessing dear ; 

But in a pious, solemn manner led, 

*' The Lord be with you," he unto them said ; 

*' The Lord bless thee," was the reply they made ; 

May such pure love for evermore pervade. 
Ruth, who was gleaning, in the harvest nigh, 

Was the next object that engag'd his eye ; 

*' What damsel's that,'' he ask'd the overseer,. 

That is employ'd so nimbly in the rear f 

" She is (said he) the Moabitish dame. 

Who from that country with Naomi came ; 



RUTH. 263 

She said to me, permit me now I pray, 
To glean behind the reapers here to-day." 

Kind Boaz then addressed to Ruth his speechy 
In terms that could not but her feelings reach : 
Encourag'd her, as h^ng as it might please 
Her, to continue in his fields to lease, 
And with his maidens to remain content, 
And go with them to ev'ry field they went ; 
That he a charge had forcibly imprest, 
Upon his servants, not to her molest. 

Poor Ruth, o'ercome with kindness so profound^ 
BowM down herself before him to the ground, 
And could not but most feelingly express, 
The thankfulness she had, in her distress, 
Of his support, civility, and care. 
Of her who was a lonely stranger there. 

But Boaz told her, he of late receiv'd, 
A full account, which he indeed believ'd; 
Of her great kindness, (which must blessings draw) 
And handsome carriage to her mother-in-law 5 
How she with love — affection deep and great, 
To her had cleav'd, in her afflicted state ; 
Had left her parents, and her native soil. 
And traveled to a stranger's land to toil : 
A people she'd no knowledge of before, 
And with a view, to Israel's God adore : 
He therefore solemnly besought the Lord, 
To recompense her with a full reward. 

The work advanced, and he, when meal-time eame. 
Kindly invited this industrious dame. 
To come and freely with his reapers eat^r- 
It was a plenteous and a pleasing treat. 
And when she forth to leasing went again, 
He told his men to let her there remain, 
That she might glean without reproof at all, 
And now and then to let some handfuls full, 
That in her leasing she might take it free, 
That her slow business might the better be. 

Thus on her labour, she was quite intent, 
^ith good success, until the day was spent ^ 



264 RUTH. 

And found she bad, when she had thresh'd it out, 
An ephah of good barley, near about ; 
Which is, as learned commentators write, 
A half a bushel and a pottle quite. 

With this she hasted to her home, 'tis said, 
Naomi glad that she so well had sped — 
Had for her labour gain'd so plenteous pay, 
Enquired of her where she had glean'd that day. 
"When the man's name, Naomi understood, 
Was Boaz, who had been so kind and good, 
She told her daughter, with a heart of cheer, 
That Boaz was to them a kinsman near. 
And wish'd the gracious blessing of the Lord, 
flight fall on him a plentiful reward ; 
He is not from his wonted kindness led, 
To those alive, and his relations dead. 

With leave of Boaz, lonely Ruth, we find, 
Kept near the maidens, who were very kind ; 
Glean'd in his fields, and added to her store, 
Till barley-harvest and of wheat was o'er. 
Yet with her wonted, and unfeign'd good will. 
Abode with her endeared mother still. 

The harvest past — this matron in a sense, 
And deeply studious how to recompense, 
The tender kindness of her daughter dear, 
Who was to her so faithful and sincere ; 
As she herself had been a worthy wife. 
She knew the comforts of a married life. 
Her mind on that momentous subject ran. 
She to project a harmless scheme began. 
How to engage the man of wealth and truth, 
The noble Boaz, to engage with Ruth. 
And now it was become her judgment quite. 
That she indeed, belonged to him of right. 
By that decree that from true wisdom came, 
For raising a deceased brother's name. 

She told young Ruth she sought for her repose. 
To find for her a resting-place from woes ; 
That worthy Boaz as br forp is said) 
Was near a-kin to her connexions dead, 



, ' RUTH. 2;66 

And what the law, that came by one insph^'d, 
The prophet Moses, in the case requir'd. 
Then gave her this advice, without delay. 
To wash herself, put on her best array ; 
To go to Boaz's threshing floor, she plann'd, 
M here at thib instant he his barley fann'd 5 
To let it truly be a secret deep, 
Tliat she was there, till he had gone to sleep ; 
She to her daughter clear instruction gave. 
How she should fairly through the scene behave* 
Though some might almost at such counsel hiss, 
Is not all well, that ends as well as this ? 

Obedient Kuth, although the case was nice, 
Resolv'd to follow her good friend's advice ; 
And with a truly innocent intent. 
Forthwith to Boaz's threshing floor she went, 
And plac'd herself where she unseen would be,. 
And where around she could distinctly see : 
She saw that whenthe'time of rest drew near, 
He ate and drank ; then with a heart of cheer. 
He went and lay down by a barley heap — 
She waited still, till he was fast asleep ; 
Then undiscover'd, softly to him came, 
And at his feet lay down the humble dame: 
As modestly, did her instructions fit, 
As such a case would possibly admit. 

At midnight waking, Boaz was afraid, 
He found some person at his feet was laid ; 
And was no less alarm'd at the affair. 
When he perceiv'd it was a woman there ; 
Say, " Who art thou ?" he in his terror cry'd ; 
The wakeful damsel readily reply'd : 
" I'm Ruth, thy handmaid, spread thy wing with cheer. 
O'er me, for lo ! thou art a kinsman near." 
Her answer plainly was to this efi*ect. 
Take me to wife, as Moses' laws direct. 

The phrase of spreading of the skirt or wing 
O'er one, imports this plain and simple thing. 
The taking in protection such an one 5 
And since a husband (if his part is done) 



gl6€r RUTHi 

Must find protection for his bosom friefidj 
And her tbrougb life from injuries defend. 
The phrase therefore is nothing more or less, 
Than simple words a marriage to express. 

Boaz from the account of Ruth receiv'd, 
'Must needs have known, or fully have believed. 
Both that her spouse to him was near a- kin, 
And what the law required of him therein. 
But since himself was pretty far in years, 
And Ruth, a fair young damsel, it appears, 
He might perhaps have been somewhat afraid, 
If he to her should have the offer made, 
It might not be approv'd by her — that she, 
An old man's darling might refuse to be. 
But now since she had the first motion made, 
He great respect to the proposal paid ; 
Was far from viewing of her credit less — * 
Rejecting her at all for forwardness *, 
He her commended, with a cheering wordj 
And wish'd for her the blessing of the Lord : 
Aud to her said, *' Thou hast more kindness shown, 
Than was to me, at the beginning, known ; 
Since thou hast not been courted by the vain, 
Nor sought the young men's co?npany to gain/* 

It seems, he took it for a kindness greatj 
Unto her husband, that she had of late, 
As well as of devotion that was true, 
To the rehgion she was turn'd unto, 
That she would marry, with a heart of cheer. 
One who was of her husband's kindred near ; 
Thus keeping up her husband's name and line, 
In strict obedience to the law divine, 
Although that kinsman was advanc'd in life, 
Compar'd with her, fit for a young man's wife. 
Much rather than w gratify her eye. 
With some gay lover, who was rated high. 
He told her he would do as she desir'd, 
His duty also, what the law requir'd, 
With greatest cheer, because she bore the name, 
And reputation of a virtuous dame. 



RUTH. ZQi 

Me told her further, with a heart sincere, 
Ttial thougb, in fact, he was a kinsman near, 
Yet there was one siill nearer ; and ihe first, 
To have the pref'rence was but right and just. 
Tiiat he next morning would that kinsman meet, 
And with him fairly on the subject treat : 
And if tnat person would accept his right, 
His duly do (^to marry her) he might ; 
If not, ue would himself the same fulfil : 
He therefore bid hi^r rest till morning still. 

She lay awliile— rose ere the morning dawH, 
That undiscover'd she might then be gone. 
For be and she had both a great regard, 
Tnat then- repute might from all blots be barred : 
Tne honour also, they had in their view, 
Of the religion they profess'd, as true. 
Hd cauiioii'd her to take especial care. 
To let none know a woman had been there. 
That he might to encourage her not fail, 
He bid her come and hold to him her veil ; 
He put therein la present no ways mean) 
Six measures full of barley, good and clean. 

Thus laden, she back to Naomi went. 
Did the whole scene correctly represent. 
Naomi listen'd with attention great. 
And said, " be still my daughter now, and wait, 
Until we find how the affair will fall, 
For Boaz will not be at rest at all. 
Till he has brought the business to an end, 
He will this day unto the theme attend." 

And so indeed, as she foretold, it prov'd, 
Wh^n morning came, he on the subject mov'df— 
He went directly to the city gate. 
And there he sat down quietly to wait. 
Ere long he saw the rival kinsman pass. 
Of whom he lately had inform'd the lass ; 
He call'd to him, "Gome sit down here I pray," 
His friend obey'd— sat down without delay. 
He calFd to sit down by them other men. 
Of the grave elders of the city, ten. 



268 RUTH. 

When these were all by Boaz seated near, 
Where they the subject could distinctly hear. 
He gave bis kinsman this to understand, 
Th«^ir friend Naomi. late from Moab's land, 
Possess'd a portion she would wish to sell, 
Which fairly to her from her husband fell. 
That he gave him this notice of the theme, 
That if he chose, he might the land redeem* 
The right of the redemption all agreed, 
In the first place, belong d to him indeed; 
But since there was no other but them two, 
To ransom it, he wish'd to know his view ; 
That if his friend would not redeem the land, 
He might himself his business understand. 

His kinsman seem d attracted by the theme, 
Exclaim'd forthwith, '* 1 will the land redeem." 
But Boaz said the business thus was plann'd, 
*' That at the instant he redeemed the land, 
He must therewith a partner take for life. 
The Moabitess, Ruth, must be his wife, 
To raise the natne of the deceas'd, said he, 
On hisinher'tance'' — this is the decree. 

On hearing this, the kinsman chang'd his note, 
This new proposal seem'd from him remote : 
*' I can t redeem it, thus I may annoy. 
In fact my own inheritance destroy — 
Do thwu redeem it for thyself, said he. 
Thus to redeem it I cannot be free." 

With pleasure doubtless, Boaz gained consent, 
His mind to gain her was indeed intent. 
The custom was in ancient days, we find, 
When bargains, sales, exchan -es they would bind. 
By plucking from the foot in open sight. 
The shoe of him relinquishing his right. 
The kinsman that he publicly that day. 
His right of the redemption pass'd away. 
To bis friend Boaz, he put off his shoe, 
(Or suffered Kuth, some think, the thing to doj* 

Dent. XXV. 9. 



RUTH. 



269 



Then faithful Boaz to the elders said, 

And to the people who were present led, 

** 1 now have purchased of Naomi's hand, 

Her once dear husband's, and her children's land. 

Moreuver, Kuth I've chosen for my wife, 

My bosom friend, through future scenes of life — 

Let one and all, to me attention pay. 

Ye are, indeed, my witnesses this day." 

Their voices echo'd then on ev'ry side, 

*^ We to the theme are witnesses" they cry'd. 

They were not only witnesses, we find, 
But were well-wishers, with a hearty mind. 
*' 1 he Lord (said they) make this young spouse of thine^ 
Like Kachel, and like Leah, in their line ; 
.Which two did all the house of [srael build, 
W hereby the fertile, promis'd land was fiU'd : 
May'st thou be known for worthy deeds around — 
In Ephratah, and Bethlehem renown'd." 

Thus pious Buaz, when advanced in life. 
With joy of heart, took Ruth to be his wife — 
Spread over her his kind protecting wing. 
Accomplished too, without a priest, or ring. 
A son nam'd Obed in due time she bare ; 
Kaotoi took and nurs'd the child with care, 
FathCT was he of Jesse, long well known, 
Grandsire of David, king on Israel's throne, i 

Of whom according to the flesh, there came 
Christ Jesus, Lord of everlasting fame ; 
"W' ho was appointed, as indeed we find, 
To be the Saviour of the human kind. 
Whose ransom would effectual be for all, 
If they refus'd not to obey his call. 
Behold ! he deign'd to come remotely through 
Pharez, who sprung from a vile interview ; 
Likewise through Ruth, the Moabitess dame, 
That to him all — all sorts might lay a claim ; 
Who to lost man his glorious light unfurl'd — 
The Universal Saviour of the world. 



24 



270 
HISTORY OF ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 



In ancient days, as very well is known, 
A king nam'd Ahab sat on Israel s throne i 
The time he reign'd was two and twenty years^ 
As by perusing sacred writ appears. 
He did great evil in the Lord's pure sight — 
He followed Baal, with supreme delight — 
Provok'd the Lord, the God of Israel, more 
Than all their kings had ever done before* 
As if to act was but a little thing, 
Like Jeroboam, once in Israel king, 
He took a princess, Jezebel to wife, 
A woman of a most ungodly life, 
The daughter of Ethba-al, then well known, 
Zidonian king, and brought her to the throne. 
And then he built (that he might rev'rence pay) 
A house for Baal in Samaria. 
An altar he to that dumb idol rearM, 
Poor lifeless Baal, as a god rever'd. 
That he might pay devotions with parade, 
This wicked prince a grove for idols made. 

But these dire evils gave a great offence. 
To Him, whose sway is with omnipotence. 
The seer Elijah, by the Lord was sent, 
(Elias calFd in the New Testament) 
A judgment to denounce against the land ; 
The prophet came unto the monarch grand : 

** As lives the God of Israel (he said) 
Before whom now, 1 stand with awful dread. 
Whom [ wait on, and am his servant true, 
These years there shall be neither rain nor dew 
Upon the land"-^that is to say three years, 
And six full months, as by the text appears.* 

When this great prophet, who was true and bold, 
His message to the wicked king had told, 

* Luke iv. 25. James v. 17* 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 271 

To shun the famine, which the drought would bring, 

And the displeasure of the angry king, 

The word of God inforra'd the seer again, 

That in that station, he must not remain, 

But travel eastward, and himself to hide, 

By the brook Cherith, there must he abide, 

And drink the water that was running good. 

The ravens there would furnish him with food. 

Elijah turn'd and took the eastern road, 
And as directed, by the brook abode, 
And lo ! he there was by the ravens fed, 
Each morn and night they brought him flesh and bread; 
When he was thirsty, of the brook he drank. 
And could alone his great Supporter thank. 

At length the brook, that long had him suppli'd^ 
For want of rain, upon the earth wasdrid. 
The Word that can, in deep afflictions cheer, 
Came to the humble and dependant seer : 
" Go to Zarephath. and improve thy fare,* 
I've told a widow, to sustain thee there.'' 

Commanded thus, he travelled on with cheer^ 
And when he to the city gate drew near, 
Behold, he there the lonely widow found, 
Collecting fuel that was scatter'd round. 
** Be pleas d to fetch some water here, I pray, 
Said he, that I may my sore thirst allay.'* 
As she for water did in haste proceed. 
He caird to her, who prov'd a friend indeed, 
Requesting her to bring a little bread. 
For him to eat — whereon the woman said, 
*' I have not now so much as one small cake, 
That I could for a human being break ; 
Of meal a handful yet remains for use, 
Likewise some oil that's in a little cruse : 
I'm gathering sticks, as an afflicted one, 
That I may dress it for myself and son, 
When we have eaten this our last supply, 
My prospect is, for want of food, to die." 

* Called Sarepta, Luke iv. ^. j 



272 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

To speak again the humble seer was led, 
" Fear not at all, but do as thou bast said, 
But make thereof a little cake for me, 
And afterwards, make for thy son and thee : 
Thus saith the Lord, they shall not waste by use. 
Nor meal, nor oil, that is within the cruse, 
Until the Lord shall favour us again, 
And bless the earth with fertilizing rain/' 

The woman, though it seem'd to take her all, 
Attended to the holy prophet's call ; 
She listened, when with sympathy overflown, 
To him, a person, then to her unknown. 

So he consistent with the Lord's command, 
Went in and with the widow made a stand. 
He and her fam'ly, in the famine sore, 
Long were partakers of this little store; 
The meal held out; abundantly for use — 
The oil continued in the little cruse, 
Sustaining them throughout the famine drear. 
As was foretold by this angelic seer. 

Altho' the widow and her little son, 
For deeds she to the man of God had done. 
Were sav d alive, by providential care ; 
Yet while the prophet had his dwelling there, 
Her son fell sick — his illness was so sore. 
At lenacth, he ceas'd from breathing any more. 

The mother when she found her son was dead, 
Most deeply mourn'd, and to Klijuh said, 
" What have 1 done, O man of God, to thee ? 
'That thj)U art come a terror here to me ? 
To call my sin to punishment this day, 
And my delight — my only son to slay .?" 

The prophet answer'd, with a serious look, 
" Give me thy son" — bim from her bosom took, 
And went aloft, and laid him on his bed. 
With fervour ^reat, be cry'd to God and said, 
" O Lord, hast thou thy hand for evil turn'd 
Upon the widow, where I have sojourn'd f 
And her into this deep affliction run, 
By stripping her of her beloved son ?" 



ELIJAH AND ELlSHA. 273 

To stretch himself upon the child was led, 
Three times, and crying to ihe Lord, he said, 
" O Lord my God, on thee I call this day, 
Let this child's soul return to him, I pray." 
Most graciously the Lord was pleas'd to hear, 
His servant's voice, the humble, fervent seer : 
Then He who rules and over all must reign, 
Caus'd that child's soul to come to him again. 

As soon as this great miracle was wrought, 
Elijah took the living child, and brought 
Him from the chamber, his retir'd abode, 
And him upon the mourning fair bestow'd : 
" Thy child is living,'' said the prophet fam'd ; 
At which the mother joyfully exclaim'd, 
" By this I know thou art a fnan of God, 
(Who hast the path of ancient wisdom trod) 
The word of Him, who is the sov'reign Lord, 
Put in thy mouth, doth with the truth accord." 
When the appointed time was near at hand, 
The end of this gieat famine on the land, 
The word of Him, who did the world create, 
Came to the seer, in his attentive state : 
Said, '• Go to Ahab, show thyself again, 
I'll then supply the thirsty earth with rain." 

Elijah with a most obedient mind. 
Went on his journey, Israels king to find. 
Appris d of this the kitig. without delay, 
Went forth to meet Elijah on the way : 
With this rough greeting fell upon the seer, 
" Ah ! is the man that troubled Israel here ?'' 
The prophet, not of his own deeds asham'd, 
*' I have not troubled Israel (he exclaimM) 
^*Thou, and thy fathers have perplex'd the land, 
For ye have Udt regarded God's command. 
But Baalim serv'd, (dumb idols made your choice) 
Now therefore pay attention to my voice. 
That it may be who troubles Israel known, 
I, or the king who sits upon the throne. 
Send forth to all the people in the land. 
To meet me at Mount Carmel, give command. 

2^* 



274 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

All Baal's prophet's must assemble then, 
Which are four hundred and quite fifty men. 
Four hundred prophets of the groves likewise, 
Who have, at table of the queen, supplies. 

The king then summoned Israel, with speed, 
And all the prophets of the idol breed ; 
A multitude unto Mount Carmel came, 
Were there addressed, thus, by the seer of fame ; 
*' How long will ye an inclination find, 
To halt between two sentiments of mind f 
If, on probation, it shall plain appear, 
The Lord is God, then follow him with fear ; 
If Baal be the only god that's true, 
Let him be serv'd and reverenc'd by you." 
Tho' some might almost think the seer absurd^ 
The doubting people answer'd not a word. 

Then said Elijah, ** I, e'en I alone, 
Remain a prophet of the Lord, that's known 5 
But Baal's prophets in the land abound, 
Four hundred and full fifty men are found. 
(And prophets of the groves four hundred men. 
These might perhaps have not arriv'd there then,) 
For the deciding ol the long debate, 
Let all attend to what I now shall state : 
Let there be two young bullocks brought (said he) 
Let them take one, the choice for them is free ; 
Which cut to pieces, lay them, great and small, 
Upon some wood, but use no fire at all. 
And I will then the other one prepare, 
Lay it on wood, and let no fire be there." 
(To Baal's prophets turning) then, said he, 
'* Upon the name of all your gods call ye : 
And I will call, in that momentous hour, 
Upon the Lord, and His great name and pow'r j 
And lo ! the God that answereth by fire. 
Let him be God" — and serv'd with hearts entire. 
This proposition was so well apply'd, 
" It is well spoken all the people cry'd.'* 

"Come, now (to Baal's prophets, said the seer) 
Your number's great, commence the work with cheers 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. S!75 

Choose you the bullock, you would like to gain, 
(The other one will then for me remain) 
Let it be dress'd, but use no fire at all, 
Then on your gods in supplication call." 

The prophets, by this open challenge led, 
Then dress'd their bullock, as Elijah said ; 
And with great fervour, call'd on Baals name — 
From morn till noon their labour was the same 5 
*' O Baal, hear us !" eagerly they pray'd — 
There was no voice nor any answer made ; 
They nimbly then, in a desponding strain, 
Leap'd on and round the altar in their pain. 

When Baal's prophets till mid-day had toil*d, 
And found themselves, to their confusion foil'd, 
Elijah then, not in a spirit tain, 
But with true zeal, and in a holy strain — 
Against their wild idolatry sincere, 
And their dumb idol openly to jeer, 
And to expose these prophets to the crowd, 
He mockM them boldly, bid them, " Cry aloud, 
Baafs a god, this is by all agreed. 
He may be talking, therefore cannot heed — 
Or on pursuit, an enemy to find — 
Or on a journey, that he cannot mind : 
Or otherwise, he may be fast asleep, 
Reposing after his fatigue so deep. 
That he by calling earnestly indeed. 
Must be awaken'd, so that he can heed.'' 

Convinced or not that he derision made, 
They with unceasing clamour cry'd and pray'd. 
And when they found their crying nought avaiPd, 
That all their ardour and exertion fail'd, 
They cut themselves, in their excessive strains. 
Until the blood flow'd freely from their veins. 
The heathen thus express d their sorrow great, 
Which God forbade the Jews to imitate.* 

They thus went on, with grief confus'd, and sad^ 
And prophesied till they were almost mad^ 

* licvit. sU. 28. Deut. xiv. 1^ 



276 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

Extreme from mid- day was their anxious cries, 
Until the time of evening sacrifice : 
There was no voice nor answer to their call, 
Nor any one that heeded them at all. 

The prophet calTd the great assembly near, 
They paid attention to his word with cheer. 
Then was, at this most holy prophet's word, 
Repair'd the broken altar of the Lord. 
He then proceeded, and procured twelve stones, 
The number of the tribes of Jacob's sons : 
He, unto whom the word of God once came, 
That said, henceforth shall Israel be thy name. 
With these twelve stones he there an altar rear'd. 
In that great name the holy ancients feard ; 
And round the altar a fair trench he made, 
The wood thereon, he in good order laid. 
The bullo' k then was into pieces cut, 
And round about upon the wood was put. 
He then had water pour'd before their eyes. 
Four barrels full upon the Sacrifice ; 
A second time, and third did this repeat, 
It ran and wet the altar o'er complete. 
Twelve barrels made the water so abound. 
It fiU'd the trench that they had dug around. 
The purpose, doubtless, of the water here, 
Was to display the miracle more clear; 
From all deception evidently free, 
When ev'ry person in the host should see 
The fire break forth, and in the water flame, 
Contrary to the nature of the same. 

All things prepar d complete before their eyes^ 
About the lime of evening sacrifice, 
To draw more near Elijah then was led, 
Address'd himself in pray'r to God, and said, 
*' O Lord, the God whom Abra'm long rever'd — 
That humble Isaac, and that Jacob fear'd ; 
Let this throughout the universe be known. 
That thou art God, who reigns upon the throne — 
That I thy lonely servant, in the land, 
Have duce these things at thy divine command! 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 277 

Hear me, O Lord, from thy supreme abode, 
And let the people know that thou art God ; 
And that the heart of ev'ry one may be, 
Turn'd from their idols to delight in thee/' 

No sooner had this man of God above, 
In strength of faith — in fervency and love, 
His supplication offer d to the Loid, 
But wonderful ! at the affecting word, 
The fire from heav'n, that caus'd a great surprise. 
Fell and consumed the wood and sacrifice ; 
Absorb d the water in the trench around, 
The very stones could not aorain be found. 
At sight thereof the great assembly near, 
Fell on their faces in most awful fear ; 
Ador'd the king, who is Jehovah nam'd, 
And in a true acknowledgement exclaim'd, 
"The Lord is God,'' (revere him Jacob's seed) 
" The Lord is God of majesty indeed." 

Elijah had a watchful eye, we find. 
O'er these false prophets, n(»w to flight inclined; 
He thf>ught it best to use the very hour, 
While in his hands be had the royal pow'r. 
The people of the promis'd land to ease, 
Of such a band of wicked cheats as these. 
He call'd the people to attention lend. 
And Baal's prophets then to apprehend ; 
*' Let there (said he) escape from you not one.*' 
This soon was by the rea.^y people done ; 
To Kishon's brook he brought the wicked train? 
And there Elijah caus'd them to be slain. 

This execution, though it now may seem, 
An action of severity extreme ; 
Was yet pursuant to the law of God, 
That laid upon idolators the rod ;* 
Adapted to that legal dispensation : 
It also had a typical relation. 
In pointing out how all the evil train. 
Of the soul's foes should inwardly be slaiff. 

Deut. chap, xiik 



278 ELIJAH AND ELISBA. 

The king was then instructed by the seer, 
" Rise up, (said he,) and eat and drink with cheer; 
Do not in view of future want abstain, 
For there's a sound of an abundant rain." 

While Ahab sought, at his repast, content, 
Elijah to the top of Carmel went ; 
Awhile he humbly sat upon the ground, 
Alont in stillness, awful and piofound : 
Then told his servant, who to him was true, 
Toward the sea to take a steady view. 
The servant went and look d awhile with care. 
Returning answered " he saw nothing there.'* 
Seven times the seer to bid him go was led; 
He went, and at the seventh time he said, 
" -Behold, a cloud ariselh from the sea. 
Like a man s hand it now appears to be." 
The prophet bid him go without delay. 
Direct to Ahab — to the monarch say, 
'^ Prepare ttiy chariot, now the time to gain, 
That thou be not prevented by the rain." 

The king perceiv'd the sun obsrur'd from view; 
The clouds were black— the wind arose and blew, 
Rode in his chariot to Jezreel with speed; 
And lo ! the rain was very great indeed- 
The Lord's strong hand, bis all-enliv'ning pow'r, 
Upon Elijah was so gr^at that hour, 
He girded up his garment, thereby freed 
Himself from being hinder'd in his speed. 
And ran before the chariot on the way, 
Unto the entrance of Jezreel that day. 

The monarch then told Jezebel the queen, 
The wondrous things that he had lately seen, 
And that Elijah, he could not restrain, 
Had all the prophets overpower'd and slain. 

The queen's displeasure then was very great, 
At the dread news — at Baal's prophets' fate. 
Her indignation rose against the sage ; 
She sent to him this message in her rage ; 
*' So let the gods (I honour and adore) 
la their resentment, do to me, and more, 



iELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

If I make not thy life for their's to pay, 
Before to-morrow by this time of day." 

Elijah knew, by what he long had seen, 
The dire, vindictive nature of the queen ; 
The great influence she had with the king, 
Her projects to reality to bring ; 
And having done, in his great Master's name, 
The work for which he to the monarch came— » 
He thought it best to take a prudent care. 
And for the safety of himself prepare. 

He took this threat from one of Zion's foes, 
A providential warning, and arose — 
Went for his life, and came without delay, 
Unto a city, then call'd Beer-sheba : 
A place within the bounds of Judah's land, 
And where king Ahab never had command. 
There left his servant, and in spirit mild, 
Went one day's journey in the lonely wild. 
He sat down there with deep affliction weighed j 
A juniper afforded him a shade. 
He then to heaven rais'd his fervent cry, 
Requested humbly that he there might die« 
" It is enough now, O (said he) my Lord, 
To take my life be pleas'd to give the word. 
For I'm not better than njy fathers were," 
That I should longer breathe the vital air. 

While thus beneath the juniper he lay, 
His spirit sunk, almost to deep dismay ; 
His mind oppress'd with trials great and deep-— 
His body wearied, there he fell asleep. 
An angpl found him in his lone retreat, 
Touch'd him and said, " Elijah rise and eat.'^' 
He then awoke, had reason to admire, 
He saw a cake bak'd on the coals of fire ; 
And at his head stood water in a cruse, 
In his affliction, ail preparM for use, 
He ale and drank of this miraculous store. 
And laid him down upon the ground once more. 

Ere long the angel did his call repeat, 
Touch'd him again, and said, *' Arise and eat, 



279 



280 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

Because the journey is so great, therefore, 
Tis needful for thee to partake of more." 
'So he arose, and ate and drank again — 
Did not partake of this supply in vain; 
He in the strength of that repast was led, 
Fuil forty days, and forty nights, 'tis said, 
Until he came where Moses meekly trod, 
To far-fafn d Horeb, call'd the mount of God. 

At Horeb he for want of better fare, 
Enter'd a cave, and took his lodging there. 
And lo ! there came to him the awful word 
Of Him who is the over ruling Lord : 
** What dost thou here Elijah ?'' to him said — 
To make this answer he was humbly led : 
" I have imbib'd a very jealous love 
To the Lord God of Hosts who reigns above. 
The Israelites have widely gone astray — 
Have turn'd from thy sure covenant away — 
Thrown down thine altars, and erected new — 
Forsook thy worship that is pure and true — 
Thy humble prophets with the sword have slain. 
And only 1, a lonely one, remain, 
A prophet who would thy commands obey; 
And lo i they seek to take my life away. 

The Lord then to Elijah gave command, 
^* Go forth, before me on the mountain stand.'* 
This he obey'd — the Lord pass d by and sent 
A mighty whirlwind, that the mountains rent : 
The ponderous rocks, like dust to pieces flew ; 
The Lord was yet not in the wind that blew. 
An earthquake follow'd, with its awful dread, 
But still the Lord was not therein, 'tis said, 
And after this, a fire appeared to flame ; 
The Lord was not, in presence, with the same. 

These awful emblems bow'd his heart with fear ; 
Serv'd for instruction to the humble seer, 
To show that God is able with his woes, 
By his strong pow'r to overturn his foes, 
If thus lo act had been the sovereign choice ;— 
After the fire tliere was a still small voice : 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 281 

He saw, the*' He, who holds the great empire, 
Was not in whirlwind, earthquake, nor the fire, 
It was His will, in His most gracious call, 
The voice to utter, that is still and small. 
The seer then rising from his lonely place, 
He took his mantle, and enwrapt his face, 
And standing at the entrance of the cave, 
An awful and a deep attention gave. 
He heard a voice (in stillness this occurred) 
*' What dost thou here Elijah ?" was the word. 

** Lo ! I have very jealous been (he said) 
For the Lord God — the Majesty we dread : 
Since Israel will not in the truth abide, 
They have thy glorious covenant deny^d ; 
Thrown down thine altars, and thy prophets slain 5 
I, even, I, a lonely one remain ; 
They, in their blindness, cruelty and strife, 
Are seeking me, to take away my life.'' 

The Lord then gave direction to the seer, 
That he his course must for Damascus steer } 
" When thou com'st thither, do what I appoint, 
Hazael king o'er Syria anoint ; 
And Jehu also, to the kingdom bring. 
Anoint him o'er the Israelites for king ; 
And young Elisha, who's of Sbaphat's race, 
Anoint for prophet, to supply thy place. 
Though 'tis thy view that thou art quite alone. 
Seven thousand are in Israel unknown, 
Whose knees have never yet to Baal bow'd ; 
Whose mouths have never kiss'd him with the crovvd.'^ 

Elijah turn'd and then was homeward bound, 
Upon his way the young Eiisha found, 
Where he to ploughing in the field was gone. 
His plough was by twf Ivp yoke of oxen drawn : 
And as Elijah near Elisha pass'd, 
Behold ! his mantle he upon him east. 

Elisha then (to whom was clearly shown 
The meaning of the mantle on him th.rown) 
To quit his work imme.Jiately was led; 
He forward ran, and to Elijah Said, 

25 



2Sf2 ELIJAH ANi5 ELISHA. 

*' Permit me now to kiss my parents dear, 

Take leave of my relations who are near.'* 

So he returned on this short interview ; 

A yoke of his own working oxen slew ; 

He boil'd their flesh, and then bestow'd the meat 

Upon the people of the place to eat; 

Then follovv'd and o'ertook the seer of fame, 

Elijah's faithful servant he became. 

While Ahab over Israel bore the sway, 
He saw a vineyard that in Jezreel lay, 
Hard by the monarch's royal palace there — 
To be the owner was his anxious care. 
He spoke to Naboth, a good Jezreelite, 
Who held the vineyard, as his proper right : 
" Thy vineyard for a garden I will buy, 
Because it is unto my palace nigh ; 
I'll give for it a better one this day, 
Or, if thy choice, the money I will pay." 

This proposition might not seem unfair. 
Had it not been for circumstances there : 
The law divine had such a sale debarr'd. 
Which this vile king would not at all regard. 
But Naboth had a conscientious mind ; 
To break the law of Moses not inclined ; 
That which forbade the Israelites to sell 
The lands to them that in rich Canaan fell. 
He after some reflection on the thing, 
Return'd this answer to the anxious king : 
*' The Lord forbid that I should give (said he) 
My father's fair inheritance to thee." 

1 he king then to his royal palace went. 
Dejected deeply, and in discontent ; 
Since Naboth's choice was not to sell, when press'd, 
The heritage his fathers long possessed. 
He in a stupid, sullen fit was led, 
Reclin'd himself upon the royal bed— 
From all the princes turn'd bis face away— 
Would neither eat, nor yet attention pay. 

This soon was known by Jezebel, his wife, 
The curse and ruin of this monarch's life. 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 28$ 

She came and ask'd him, in his sad retreat, 
Why he was sad — why he refused to eatf 
He then related to her all that pass'd, 
With him and Naboth. from the first to last. 
The wicked woman, in her boundless pride, 
Exclaim'd, "Dost thou as emperor preside f" 
'J'o be a monarch is a shameful thing. 
Without the sense, and majesty of king. 
To take away his gloominess and pain, 
And make him cheerful, fit to rule again, 
She gave him counsel to arise and eat — 
To let his heart be merry, in his seat, 
Assuring him, if he would her obey, 
That she to him the vineyard would convey. 

Then writing letters in the monarch's name, 
She, with the roval signet, seal'd the same. 
These to the elders and the nobles sent, 
By some who post-haste with the orders went, 
Unto the city where good Naboth dwelt : 
For whom, almost, a human heart would melt. 
Her order was, "Proclaim a fast, and then 
Set Naboth up, on high, among the men : 
Let two appear, who sons of Belial are, 
Let them against him testimony bear, 
That he was guilty of a wicked thing, 
That he blasphem'd the holy God and king.'' 

Here we this woman may with wonder view, 
The devil's servant — to her master true : 
An idol server, from a pagan's land. 
Could make the law, the firm divine command, 
That all blasphemers should be ston'd and die,* 
A hypocritical pretence, whereby 
Good Naboth must be to the trial led, 
And have his blood, in innocency shed ! 
No wonder men, in after times, could tell, 
Proverbially, of wicked Jezebel- 

On the receipt of these directions there. 
It was the elders, and the nobles care, 
Forthwith to act pursuant to the same, 
Which they suppos'd straight from the monarch came. 
* L«vit. xxiv, 16. 



2B4i ELlJAtf AND ELI S HA. 

They, as commanded by the woman nam'd^ 
A fast among the Jezreelites proclaimed ; 
"Which was, 'tis said, the usual method there, 
For the judicial trials to prepare. 
Bur this was one for mischief and distress : 
*' A fa^t to smite with fists of wickedness.''^ 

So they took Naboth, as the woman taught. 
And he, alas ! was to the trial brou2:ht : 
They set him high, as order'd by the queen, 
That he might be by all the people seen. 
Then came two men of Belial's wicked race, 
And brazen, sat where they could view his face : 
Accus'd him of a dreadful wicked thing, 
" That he blasphem'd the holy God, and king.*' 
Poor Naboth then was from the city led, 
In innocence, and ston d till he was dead. 

When Jezebel heard Naboth was no more, 
To rouse the king from bis affliction sore, 
She said, '• Arise, possess thy great delight, 
Old Naboth's vineyard, the vain Jt^zreelite, 
Which he, most vainly has refus'd to sell. 
He now is dead, and all is ending well.'' 

King Ahab then, who wore the royal crown, 
To Naboth s vineyard went directly down, 
To take possession of the same, on sight, 
For Naboth's treason now the monarch's right. 

While he was there, surveying of the same. 
The word divine unto Elijah came, 
(Who boldly had returned from his retreat) 
Said, •• llise, go forth, the king of Israel meet ; 
To Naboth's vineyard he is now gone down, 
To seize the same, as fallen to the crown : 
And thou shalt boldly tell him all my word, 
To him, though monarch, say, thus saith the Lord, 
Ah ! hast thou kill'd and took possession too .'' 
Therefore what God to thee hath spoken view ; 
Where dogs upon the blood of Naboth fed, 
Shall they lick thy blood, even thine, when dead." 

t Isaiah Iviii. 4. 



ELIJAH AND ELTSHA. 285 

When this true prophet^-rrho was plain and bold, 

Had t)jub lijuch of his a^vful niessage tuld, 

Ahab began to intirrupViiuii. said, 

" Hast thou found me, O enemy ' I dread ? 

He then survey d the propliet with a snt^er : 

" Yes, t have found tiiee,' said the holy seer, 

" For thou hast sold thyself, to take deligiit, 

In working evil in the Lord's pure sight." 

Then to go on with the decree was led, 

He, in the name of the Almighty said : 

*' Behold, great evil I will hririg on thee, 

I'll take away all thy posterity — 

I'll make thy house, ere 1 with thee have done, 

Like Jeroboam's, who was Vebat'sson; 

Like Baasha's too, who fill'd the royal seat, 

(These fam'lies both had been destroyed complete) 

For thy t)ffencps, early and of late, 

Which have provok'd me unto anger great; 

Thyself in breaking my most holy law, 

And striving Israel into sin to draw : 

Him that of Ahab dieth in the street, 

Or in the city, lo ! the dogs shall eat ; 

And him that dieth in the field that day. 

Shall there be eaten by the birds of prey.*' 
There is no cause for any wonder here, 

Why God denounced a sentence so severe» 

Like Ahab there was none in sin so bold, 

Who to work wickedness himself had sold : 

His predecessors he outstript in sin, 

And Jezebel encourag d him therein ; 

Therefore she also bad her doom to take — 

Of her the Lord, in dreadful judgment spake t 

" By Jtzreel's wall (as hist'ry long shall tell) 

The dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel." 
Bad as was Ahab, yet he could not hear 

This sentence pass'd upon him, by the seer, 

Without a stroke, much like a piercing dart; 

Ire show'd the sigtjs of penitence of heart ; 

He rent his clothes, and put on grief's array — ? 

He fasted toO; and down in sackcloth lav ; 

25* 



286 ELIJAH AND ELISflA. 

When he arose, be softly went in grief, 
Like one in mourning, hopeless of relief. 

Nor was king Ahab's penitential cry, 
Rejected wholly, by the Lord on high ; 
To notice it he graciously was led ; 
And to Elijah, his true prophet, said: 
" Dost thou see Ahab, in his heart contrite? 
Because he is so humble in my sight, 
In his own days I'll not the evil bring ; 
I'll grant a respite unto Israel's king : 
In his son's days, who fain would fill his place, 
ril bring the evil on his sinful race." 

Thus, as the monarch, for a little time, 
Was humbly bow'd, before the king sublime ; 
So he some respite, also, had of God, 
A little while he laid aside the rod. 

It may not here at all unlikely be, 
This show of deep, unfeign'd humility, 
Might an inducement be to vainly bring 
Jehoshaphat, then Judah'spidus king, 
Into a league with Ahab, for we find, 
Soon after this affinity they join'd ; 
He took the monarch, Ahab's daughter fair, 
For his own son. who to the crown was heir. 

This league drew him, some after day, or date. 
To visit Ahab, at his seat of state. 
The king received him with a great parade, 
For him a royal entertainment made ; 
Oxen and sheep were in abundance slain, 
For this great king Jehoshaphat and train. 

Ahab was willing to in)prove this chance, 
Tliat he his strength and interest might advance. 
To go, he did Jehoshaphat invite. 
With him to Kamoth-Gilead to fight : 
A city that to Israel once belonged. 
From which they had been by the Syrians wrong'd. 
As soon as Ahab thus proposed the deed, 
Jehoshaphat too hastily agreed : 
*' I am as thou art, said the king benign, 
My people and my horses are as thme ; 



CLTJAB AND ELISHA. 287 

With all my force I will with thee unite 
In this engagement, that is just and right/' 
But recollecting — an essential weigh'd ; 
This proposition to the king he made : 
" Now make inquiry of the Lord, I pray, 
To know if we shall have success, or nay." 

Ahab his prophets callM together then, 
Who were indeed, about four hundred men ; 
Most likely prophets of the groves, who fed 
At Jezebel's own table, as was said j 
And who escap'd the trial and the pain. 
Of being with dumb Baal s prophets slain. 
He put to them the question. *' Shall 1 go 
To Ramoth-Gilead, there to fight, or no f * 
They, with one mind, and with one voice agreed, 
*' Go up, for thou shalt certainly succeed ; 
The Lord hath it deliver'd to thy hand. 
Thou shalt return triumphant to thy land.'^ 

Jehoshaphat could not as yet accord : 
" Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, 
Besides (said he; that we might now inquire, 
If best to go, or from the scheme retire f'* 
*' Yes, said the king, f recollect of one, 
By name Micaiah, who is Imlah's son ; 
But him I hate, with deep contempt, for he 
Foretells no g(Hid. but always ill of me/' 

Jehoshaphat to answer him was led, 
" Let not this be by Israel's monarch said." 
Tho' he may have no pleasant tales to tell, 
To hate the prophet is not doing well. 
Then was an herald order'd by the king, 
In haste Micaiah, Imlah's son to bring. 

Then these two monarchs, in their splendour shone, 
Sat each of them superbly on his throne 5 
Their glory by Samaria's gate displayed. 
Where they were in their royal robes array'd. 
Before them all the prophets prophesy'd, 
With hearts united, and one voice they cry'd, 
** Go up to Ilamoth, with thy mighty band, 
The Lord will give the city to thy hand,"^ 



268 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

And one of them, their notions to impress, 
And show how thpy the Syrians would distress, 
A pair of horns, of solid iron madr ; 
Wirh these he flourish'd — cry'd with great parade, 
**Thus saith the Lord, with horns of anguish sore, 
Go crush the Syrians till they are no more." 

While these false prophets told such pleasing things^ 
To animate the two united kings, 
The herald that to fetch Micaiah went. 
Desirous seem'd all discord to prevent, 
Told him how all the prophets prophesy'd, 
That, with one voice, they good success had cry'd. 
And wish'd that he might in the current run, 
And speak as the king s prophets all had done. 
Micaiah govern'd by a better guide, 
To this instructor readily reply'd : 
*' As lives the Lord (to whom I humbly seek) 
What God dictates, that I will surely speak.'* 
Before these monarchs was the prophet led, 
And then king Ahab to Micaiah said, 
** Shall we to Ramoth-Gilead repair, 
To fight the Syrians, or shall we forbear ?" 

He at the first, in great contempt, we find, 
Of Ahab's prophets, who were false and blind, 
In irony seem'd with the stream to run, 
And spoke as the king's prophets all had done : 
*' Go up and prosper in the war (said he) 
Into your hand shall they deliver'd be," 
This he pronounc'd to him with such an air, 
That Ahab saw he mock'd the prophets there. 
The king exrlaim'd, " How can I this endure, 
How many times, say, shall I thee adjure. 
That thou tell nothing but the truth to me. 
In His great name who's from eternity ?'' 

Then said Micaiah. '' Hear the truth this day, 
And take good notice what I now shall say ; 
I saw all Israel scatter'd wide, like sheep. 
That had no shepherd, them to feed or keep. 
These have no master, to command, said God, 
Let each return in peace to his abode/' 



ELIJAH AND ELISUA. 2B9 

This was indeed, a simile complete, 
Of Ahab's death, and Israel's defeat. 
So Ahab doubtless understood it clear. 
For interrupting the good prophet here, 
He turn'd to king Jehosbapbat, and said, 
" Did not 1 tell thee how he would be ledy 
That he of me would prophesy no good, 
But only evil ?" that 1 understood. 

This interruption daunted not the seer, 
" The word (said he,) of the Almighty hear ; 
1 saw the Lord when sitting on the throne. 
And heav'nly host around him where he shone." 
The Lord then said, "Who shall the king entice ; 
The king of Israel (whose delight is vice) 
That he may go up in a spirit vain, 
To Bamoth-Gilead, and may there be slain? 
One of the council then expressed his mind, 
Another spoke as he was most inclin'd." 

The prophet thus, to give the subject stress ^ 
The hearers' minds to sensibly impress, 
Here chose this heav'nly vision to relate, 
Like consultations in the church or state. 

" A spirit came and stood before the Lord, 
I will entice king Abab, '' was the word. 
The Lord, who could not Ahab's sins endure, 
Ask'd by what means he would the king allure .? 
" A lying spirit I will go (said he) 
Thus in the mouth of all his prophets be." 
Then said the Lord, " Go forth and do not fail, 
Thou shalt entice him, and indeed prevail." 
" Behold! there hath a lying spirit's word, 
Into their mouth been or'der'd by the Lord : 
Deluded thus, thy prophets falsehood spake, 
And evil surely thee will overtake." 

This should not strange, indeed, appear when true, 
Nor be offensive, reader, in thy view ; 
That He who is, and was omnipotent. 
Should here be stated to have put or sent, 
A lying spirit in the mouth or mind, 
Of these vile prophets, who were false and blind ; 



290 ELIJAH AND ELtSHA. 

' Tis his prerogative, without dispute-— 
His sovereignty indeed is absolute; 
He instrunnents may use of ev'ry kind, 
Tiiat he may choose to execute his mind ; 
Advance his honour, circulate his woes, 
Correct his children, or destroy his foes. 

This saying of Miraiah, that the Lord 
Had put in them a lying spirit's word, 
Enrag'd these prophets, like a flame of fire. 
That one of them whose name wasZedekiah ; 
He who paraded with his horns, so grand, 
And was most likely leader of the band, 
In fury rose that he might vengeance seek? 
Anci smote the godly prophet on the cheek. 
" Tell me (said he) which way the spirit went, 
When it from me, to speak to thee was sent f " 
*' That (said the seer) thou shalt discern that day, 
When thou alarm'd shalt run and hide away." 

By this time Ahab thought he had enough, 
Of what he view d Micaiah's ^illy stuff. 
He order d one to take the seer away, 
And to the ruler of the city say, 
*' Thus saith the king, this idle fellow take, 
Who evil boldly of his monarch spake. 
Put him in prison, let him be with bread, 
And with the water of affliction fi:tdf 
Until the war with Syria shall cease, 
And to my palace I return in peace." 

Nay. to the king, reply'd the godly seer, 
** If thou return in peace and triumph here, 
The Lord by me hath never spoke at all ; 
To mark my words, I on the people call.'' 

Jehoshaphat, although he heard the word, 
And knew this was a prophet of the Lord, 
Yet he, perhaps by JezebeFs intrigue, 
W as linked so by affinity and league, 
That he went up, eclips'd in mental sight, 
Forthwith to Hamoth Gilead to fight. 

The prophecy to frustrate much inclined, 
Ahab proposed, before the battle join'd. 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 291 

A project that he apprehended wise; 
To go himself to battle in disguise : 
But Judali's king should go in more parade, 
That he should fight in royal robes array'd. 

So Arab follow'd his propos'd intent, 
Disguis'd himself, and to the battle went. 
Benhadad king, who rul'd the Syrian land, 
Gave to the captains of the host command, 
To single out king Ahab in the fight, 
And cut him off, with their united might. 

This conduct was in Syria's monarch rude, 
Completely mark'd with deep ingratitude ; 
A vile return, and dire ill usuge for 
King \hab's mercy in a former war. 
Who gave him life, and freedom in an hour, 
When he was most completely in his povv'r. 

These rival kings, to victory inclin'd* 
The battle then, with mighty shouting joined. 
The Syrian captains (though a cruel thing) 
Sought only for the Israelitish king. 
Jf^hoshaphat was singled out — they thought. 
That they had found the enemy they sought : 
He was forthwith beset on evry side, 
In his alarm for help, he loudly cried. 
The Lord look'd down, in his compassion great. 
And succour'd him, in this alarming strait, 
So that a sense the furious warriors gained. 
That Hwas not him who over Israel reign'd. 
This they discern'd, when his distress was sore, 
And turn'd about and follow'd him no more. 

Jehoshaphat here just escap'd a fall — 
Ahab's disguise secur'd him not at all : 
A warrior there, a distant shot to try, 
Then drew a bow, and let an arrow fly. 
He hit and wounded Ahab very sore, 
Between the joints of armour that he wore. 
Alarm'd at finding of the wound severe, 
He call'd, in anguish, to his charioteer; 
*' (*m wounded sore, cannot my weapon wield, 
Let me forthwith be taken from the field.'' 



292 ELIJAH AND ELISHA^ 

Yet as that day the battle hotter grew, 
They in his chariot, held him up to view, 
That so the soldiers might not know his state, 
Nor be discouraged at their monarch's fate. 
Thus ended Ahab — his wild race was run, 
He died about the setting; of the sun. 

That day's great struggle ended in defeat, 
Through Israel's host was sounded a retreat, 
And proclamation through the army made, 
(Which was by all, without delay, obey'd) 
That ev'ry person there of Israel's race, 
Should then escape to his own dwelling place. 

Their fallen king they brought away, with pain^ 
Retreated with him to his home again. 
He, in his glory — in his royal bloom, 
With shame descended to the lonely tomb. 

The king while held up on the battle ground, 
Bled most profusely from his mortal wound, 
Both in his armour and his chariot too, 
To a degree most sorrowful to view. 
His chariot and his armour, was, one day, 
Wash'd in the pool that's in Samaria: 
Wliile at the washing-place the chariot stood, 
Behold! the dogs lick'd up th° royal blood. 
According to the plain pr^diciing word, 
Spoke by the holy prophet of the Lord. 

Though he who vvas o'er Judah-s kingdom crown'd, 
The field of war escap'd without a wound; 
Yet he was not by any means ^o grand, 
As to come off without a rpprin)a)]d. 
For having listened to a vik- intrigue, 
Join'd Ahab in affinity and Ifascue. 
When he return'd, was to the city near, 
Jehu, the son of Hanani. the serr, 
Went out the king Jehoshaphat to meet, 
And did him boldly, with this message greet: 
** Should'st thou with an ungodly one accord, 
And grant thy aid to those who hate the Lord.? 
Since this cannot withoiit transgression be, 
Lu ♦ wrath has fallen from the Lord on thee." 



EtilJAH AND ELISHA. 2D3 

But added soon, that he who wore the crown/ 
Might not be too much in his mind cast down, 
** Yet some good things in thee are surely found, 
Thou hast destroyed the groves within thy bound : 
Thnu hast dehght in those who virtue love; 
Prepar'd thine heart to seek the Lord above. 

This mihi reproof, this tender, gentle sting, 
A good effect had doubtless on the king ; 
For after he at home had made some stay, * 
He from Jerusalem took his route away, 
From Beersheba utito mount IC,phraim went ; 
That is throughout his kingdom's whole extent, 
And in his circuit he the people taught — 
Them back to their forefather's God he brought: 
And he appointed judges in the land. 
And gave them this most requisite command : 
** What ye determine, see that you well scan, 
For ye, indeed, judge not alone for man, 
But for the Lortl, the mighty one who's true. 
Who, in the judgment, is in truth with you j 
Respect of persons is not with the Lord, 
Nor taking gifts" — partiality's reward. 

Also the king, for truth, and not parade, 
A reformation in Jerusalem made. 
Set priests and Levites, who were most renown'd, 
And fathers who in Israel were found. 
That judgment true, might of the Lord be gain'd 
In things that to his worship appertained. 
And civil matters, when there were debates, 
Among the judges of the diff 'rent states : 
That they might come, in cases great and nice. 
Unto the royal city for advice* 
To these the monarch gave a charge, since»^'» 
To act in wisdom, and in heavenly fear-- 
That they should not from precious t'^^li depart, 
But each be faithful, with a perfect Jeart. 
When he some time in teaching <'^em had spent, 
He ended with this short enco''^'ag<^-r"ent : 



*' With courage deal, and m Light shall you surprise^ 
with ai'^''^ g^^^<^ aud wise.'* 



The Lord will be wil 



294 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

Ere long, an army of the Moabites, 
United with the vicious Ammonites, 
With their confederates, a surprising JDand, 
Game forth to fight against the promised land. 
The king had news, that there, of late, was viewed, 
Avery great and mighty multitude. 
In arms, advancing from beyond the sea, 
They in Kngedi then were said to be. 

The sudden news of such an army near, 
Spread an alarm, and put the king in fear ; 
In his own strength, not having confidence, 
His heart was bow d before Omnipotence : 
Jehoshaphai a solemn fast proclaimed. 
Throughout his kingdom, that was Judah nam'd. 
The people gathered, with affliction weigh'd, 
To seek the Lord, Almighty God for aid j 
From all the cities to Jerusalem came, 
To bow before the everlasting name. 

Jehoshaphat, the monarch great and good, 
In Judah's humble congregation stood. 
Assembled in the temple there well known, 
In rev'rence thus address'd the holy throne : 
*• O Lord, the God our fathers bow'd before. 
The mighty God who reigns the heavens o'er ! 
Dost thou not rule the heathen kingdoms grand. 
That human force cannot, thy pow'r withstand ? 
And art not thou our everlasting friend. 
Who in days past did gracious succour lend, 
AM drove out those who on this soil abode— 
The land upon the Israelites bestow'd ? 
Thou g^vest it for ever to the seed 
Of faithful Abra'm, true to thee indeed. 
Long have I'iiey had their dwelling in the same^ 
And built a teuple to thy holy name ; 
Thou saidst, if e\\l come for our offence, 
A judgment, famir*^, sword or pestilence, 
And in this temple, vh are bow'd indeed. 
Where thy great name ii> call'd upon, in need, 
And unto thee, in deep afii'»otion cry. 
Then thou wilt grant protection from on high, 



ELIJAH AND ELI S HA. 295 

Behold ! a mighty army in parade, 
^rom lands thou let not Israel invade, 
When long ago they came from Egypt's land. 
But turn'd aside from them at thy command. 
Behold ! how they reward us ill this day, 
For they are come to make of us a prey — 
To cast us from the peaceable abode, 
Which thou upon thy people hast bestow'd. 

O mighty God, wilt thou not judge them right, 
For, of ourselves, we surely have no might. 
Against this great and potent multitude. 
That comes against us, with ingratitude : 
And what to do, is by ourselves unknown, 
But tor rely upon thy arm alone." 

Thus spake the monarch, in the people's name, 
All Judah stood united with the same. 
Before the Lord, with hearts sincere and true, 
They and their wives, and little children too. 

Behold ! the spirit of the I ord then came 
On one of them, Jahaziel by name » 
He by the pure, unerring Spirit led, 
Arose and in the congregation said, 
" I have a message. Judah hearken ye, 
And people of Jerusalem to me ; 
And thou their king, thus saith the Lord to yoil, 
Be not afraid, at the approach, and view, 
Of this great host, from distant kings' abodes, 
For lo ! the battle is not yours, but God's^ 
Behold his grace ! you need not fight at all. 
Without a stroke they will before you fall. 
Be still and quift. is to you the word. 
And see the great salvation of the Lord. 
O men of Judah and Jerusalem hear. 
To-morrow go against that host with cheer : 
Be not dismay'd, but peacefully proceed, 
For lo ! the Lord will fight for you indeed." 

On this most gracious answer from on high 
To the good king, and ardent people's cry, 
Jehoshapbat, in reverence profound. 
Most humbly bow'd his head toward the ground. 



29B ELIJAH AND ELTSHAo 

The people too, as with one bended knee, 
Ador'd the Lord, in deep humility. 
Some Levites there, their voices loudly rais'd. 
And Him who is the great Jehovah prais'd. 

Next morning, free from anguish or distress, 
They march'd toward Tekoa's wilderness. 
As they went forth, with confidence that day, 
Jehoshaphat was standing in the way ; 
" To me O Judah lend (said he) an ear, 
And now ye people of Jerus'lem hear : 
Be true believers in your God, and ye, 
In your own land, shall well established be ; 
And with your hearts believe his prophets true, 
So shall there be prosperity for you." 

They held a council, and with one accord, 
Appointed singers to the gracious Lord, 
'Who should, beneath this fair inscription, bless 
The Lord, in beauty of true holiness. 
And when the army, in complete array, 
Should forward go, that these might lead and say, 
*' Praise ye the Lord, who rules the kingdoms o'er. 
His mercy great endures for evermore." 

Although this mode, triumphing seem'd to be, 
Before thev gainM the joyful victory ; 
Yet it was not (as well they understood) 
Without a basis that was firm and good ; 
They on God's word, spoke by the seer, relied,- 
And soon they saw the promise verified : 
While on the march, as they began to raise, 
Their voices in sweet melody and praise. 
The Lord prepared ambush ments (strange to tell^ 
Their foes confus'd, on one another fell : 
The Ammonites and Moabites, like flame. 
Fell on the army from Mount-seir, by name ; 
When these w^ere slain, they on each other flew, 
And every soldier thrust his fellow through. 
That day this great and mighty army fell, 
The carnage there was wonderful to tell. 

W hen Judah's army with their monarch good, 
Came near the wild, where the watch-tower stood. 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 297 

Look'd for the armies of their foes ahead, 
Lo ! they were fallen to the ground, and dead. 

This great deliv'rance, in the depth of need, 
Was in their eyes, most marvellous indeed ! 
The Lord's own doing, plain to ev'ry view — 
The work of Him who saves in mercy true. 
Well might the nations, who the regions trod, 
Call this a battle of Almighty God ; 
For which a place might in the book be claim'd, 
That, wars of the great Deity, was nam'd. 

Behold the scene ! let every heart incline 
To love — to faith — to confidence divine. 
Fear not O youth, unite with one consent, 
And trust in Him who is omnipotent. 
He who the faithful evermore sustains ; 
His foes shall perish, but his pow'r remains. 
The slaught'ring sword need not be drawn by thee. 
Trust in his name, and in his mercy free ; 
Those who trust Him who anciently was prov'd, 
Stand as Mount Zion not to be remov'd. 

When Judah's army to return were led, 
Their pious king Jehoshaphat was head ; 
They march'd, with trumpets sounding, till they came 
Unto the house built for Jehovah's name ; 
Because the Lord, who for their God they chose. 
Made them triumphant o'er their bitter foes. 

This great and strong, invading army's fall, 
So evidently was discern'd by all. 
To be His act who did the world create, 
The nations round were struck with terror great : 
The fear of God upon the kingdoms fell, 
On hearing He thus fought for Israel. 
This pious king was very greatly bless'd, 
From ev'ry foe his Maker gave him rest. 

Yet after all (see man's unstable mind) 
He err'd again, v.'ith Ahaziah juin'd; 
The king of Israel, wicked Uiab's son, 
Who acted as his father long had done> — 
Like Jezebel ; her ways delighted in. 
And Jeroboam, who made Israel sjn. 

26* 



298 , ELIJAH ANr> ELISHA. 

He followM Baal, as in gloom of night, 
That idol vvorshipp'd with a great delight — 
Provok'd the Lord, to anger very great, 
As IsraePs oionarchs all had done of late. 

To send a fleet was these two kings' design, 
To bring them gold from Ophir's precious mine 5 
An oriental distant land, we're told, 
That in past days produc'd the finest gold. 
Their ships they did at Ezion-Geber build ; 
Their minds too much with wealth and honour fill'dj 
Not govern'd by the wisdom of the wise ; 
The Lord displeased, o'erthrew their enterprise ; 
A storm arose one inauspicious day, 
And broke the ships, before they left the bay. 
Which done, a seer, they Eliezer name, 
Unto Jehoshaphat the monarch came, 
And prophesy'd against the erring king, 
Inform'd him he had done an evil thing. 
Had wander'd from true rectitude of mind 5 
Had in a league with Ahaziah join'd, 
Which wisdom true, could not unite, or own ; 
Thus, by the Lord his works were overthrown* 
And so it was, they broken were indeed. 
That not a ship to Ophir could proceed. 

This was the second instance, as we find, 
Jehoshaphat had stumbled in this kind. 
The first came near to costing him his life, 
When he join'd Ahab in the scene of strife ; 
A king who into evil courses run — 
A king of Israel, but a wicked one. 
The second, cost the fleet he built with care, 
For joining with king Ahab's wicked heir. 

Let this indeed, a monument long stand, 
A warning fair to men of ev'ry land ; 
To princes and to private persons too, 
Who wish to serve and worship God that's true, 
To not unite familiarly with those, 
Who hate the truth, and are Jehovah's foes. 

Ere Ahaziah, Ahab's son, well known, 
Had reiga'd two years upon the royal throne> 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 299 

He through a window, they a lattice call, 
Was sorely wounded by a grievous fall. 
Therefore he gave some messengers commands 
To go forthwith to the Philistines' land, 
And when arriv'd they must, at his desire, 
Of Baalzebub, call'd Ekron's god, inquire, 
K he should of the sore disease be cur'd, 
That he bad many painful days endur'd ? 
This god was call'd (to whom the men were sent) 
The devil's prince, in the New Testament. 

This was an errand strange to tell indeed : 
Benhadad, who was Syrian king, we read? 
A heathen by profession and descent, 
When he was sick, unto Elisha sent ; » 

Of Israel's God, a prophet great and true. 
To know if he should precious health renew : 
Here Israel's king, sends, in his blindness dire, 
That he mio;bt of a heathen god inquire ! 

The God of Israel, in displeasure, sent 
An angel, who unto Elijah went. 
Commanded him to go and meet, and say 
To the king's men, sent from Samaria : 
" Is it because that you have truly found, \ 

There is no God, within all Israel's bound, 
That you would to a land of gloom aspire — 
Of Baalzebub the heathen god inquire f 
To Aha^iah say, thus saith the Lord, 
This is to thee unchangeably the word. 
Thou shalt not come from where lliou now dost lie,^ 
But on that bed of languishing shalt die." 

On this the messengers of Israel's king. 
To go to Ekron view'd an useless thing; 
Keturn'd unto their king without delay, 
Who query'd, why they had return'd that day ? 
," We met a person on the road (said they) 
Who said, return to Israel's king and say, 
Thus saith the Lord, who sits on heaven's thronev 
Is it not now, because no God is known, 
In Israel's b'junds. that ibou hast this desire, 
To go aod of a heathen god inquire ^ 



300 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

Therefore behold ! thou shalt come down no morey 

Nor quit the place of thy affliction sore — 

This is the word on which thou may'st rely, 

Upon that bed thou certainly shalt die." 

*' What looking person was he (said the king) 

That has presum'd to thus proclaim the thing ?" 

" The man (said they) who told this message new. 

Was rough and coarse — a hairy man to view :* 

We recollect that he was girt around — 

His loins were with a leathern girdle bound." 

" 'Tis the Tishbite Elijah," said the king : 

That he had seen him was a likely thing, 

"When judgment he deni. unc'd, some former day. 

On this king's father, when he bore the sway. 

The prophet thus pronounced the heav'nly will. 
Then went and sat on an adjacent hill. 
The king displtas'd, to him a captain sent, 
With fifty soldiers — this was his intent. 
If he refus'd to come with them, to bring 
Him on by force, and take him to the king. 

The captain, when he to the prophet came, 
Spake roughly to him in the monarch's name, 
*' Thus saith the king, who wears the royal crown,. 
Thou man of God, without delay come down." 

The prophet who was sitting there serene, 
Keturn'd an answer quite as short and keen ; 
'■ If 1 now be (said he) a man of God, 
(Lo ! thou wilt feel for wickedness the rod) 
Let fire now fall, is the divine decree. 
And quite consume thy fifty men and thee." 
V/ith awful dread the fire descended then, 
Consumed this captain, and his fifty men. 

The hardened monarch, unto wisdom deaf, 
Sent fifty niore, led by their brazen chief, 
Who quite undaunted at the hand divine, 
Laid on the former, in the martial line, 
Came to the prophet, where he madf a stand, 
*' O man of God, it is the king's command, 

* They probably spoke not of his person, but of h'is garment ; it 
might be rough and haiiy. 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 301 

Come down (said he) and go without delay, 
To him who o'er the kingdom bears the sway.*' 

If I'm indeed, a man of God (he said) 
Let fire from heaven now descend with dread, 
And thee and thy bold fifty men consume f 
This is for gross obduracy thy doom. 
The fire of God its terror then resum'd, 
The captain and his fifty men consumed. 

Hot work was this, and hard may seem to bcj 
That men thus under high authority, 
Should fall for executing the command 
Of their superior, powerful and grand ; 
Yet from these captains and the soldiers' fate, 
Let ofiicers who are subordinate, 
Learn 'tis a crime, and that beyond dispute, 
A servant of the Lord to persecute ; 
Although required of them by the command, 
Of human pow'rthe highest in the land. 

The stubborn king, determined not to bend, 
Did a third captain, with his fifty send. 
This ofiicer bought wisdom at the cost 
Of his presuming predecessors lost ; 
By their destruction now grown wary quite. 
Thought he would not conduct the work by might y 
Behold, when he came to the prophet near. 
Upon his knees he fell before the seer. 
And bow'd his heart before the pow'r that broke 
Upon the others, with an awful stroke : 
*' O man of God (said he) I humBly pray, 
Preserve my life, and life of these, this day ; 
Behold, there fellj from highest realms, a fire, 
Two captains and their fifties burnt entire ; 
Before thee now, I have, indeed, no might, 
O let my life be precious in thy sight." 

By this submissive, moving language led,. 
The holy angel to Elijah said, 
" Go down with them, be not at all afraid :" 
He, led by wisdom from above, obey'd. 
Forthwith the captain, just as he was taught, 
The godly seer before the monarch brought. 



302 ELIJAH AND EUSHA* 

When there arriv'd, he flatter'd not nor spar'd, 

But the whole truth unto the king declar'd : 

" Thus saith the Lord, since thou who here wast crown*dfj 

As if no God could be in Israel found, 

Hast given to thy messengers command, 

To go unto the dark Philistines' land — 

Since thou would'st unto Baalzebub aspire, 

And of benighted Ekron's god inquire, 

Thou shall not come from where thou now dost lie, 

But on this bed of languishing shalt die." 

Upon the king, this soon was verified, 
F'<ir Ahaziah of this illness died. 
And when the king, who had no son, was dead. 
They crowned his brother Joram in liis stead. 

The season now was drawing very nigh, 
When He was fix'd, who rules the realms on high. 
To take the seer whose heart for heaven glow'd, 
By a strong whirlwind, to the high abode. 

Elijah forth from Gilead went one day, 
And took Elisha with him on the way : 
He whom the Lord ordain'd to be a seer, 
As soon as should I"^lijah disappear. 
While on the way that unto Bethel led, 
Elijah to his true attendant said, 
*' I o tarry here I pray thee be content, 
The Lord, indeed, hath me to Bethel sent." 
" As lives the Lord, and lives thy soul, (said he) 
I can't consent to separate from tfiee." 
So these two men of everlasting fame, 
Pursu'd the road till they to Bethel came. 
When there arriv'd in love that freely fiow'd, 
The prophets' sons, who at that place abode. 
Did by prophetic vision understand, 
li-lijah's exit now was near at hand ; 
They then advancing to Elisha near, 
Of him inquired with gravity sincere, 
** Dost thou not know the Lord will take away. 
Thy worthy master from thy head to-day.? 
"■ Yes, from all toils he soon will find release, 
** I know it well, hold you (said he) your peace/* 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 30S^ 

Elijah, while at Bethel, said again, 
" I pray thee here, Elisha, no.v remain, 
Fur 1 must pass still farther on, J see; 
To Jericho the Lord directed me." 
Elisha answer'd, as he'd done before. 
That he would surely part from him no more. 
So they went on, just as the seer was sent, 
Unitedly to Jtricho they went. 
And also here, the prophets' sons, 'tis said, 
Were to inquire of pain'd Elisha led ; 
If he discern'd the Lord would take away, 
His valu'd master from the world that day.'* 
*' 1 know it well," reply'd the youthful seer, 
*^ Hold you your peace," his exit's drawing near. 

Elijah then unto Elinha said, 
*^ Stay here, I pray, to Jordan [ am led." 
Elisha still, as he before repli'd, 
Assur'd the seer he would with him abide. 

Elijah was, or seem'd to be inclined, 
To leave Elisha, in this route, behind. 
If we attend unto the theme with care, 
We to conjecture have a reason fair. 
That as Elijah knowledge had indeed, 
W hen he was gone Elisha would succeed, 
He took these journeys, and this mode to prove 
Elisha's zeal, faith, constancy? and love 

So they went down, stood by the river's side, 
Where they beheld the ancient Jordan glide. 
While standing solemn by the verdant shore, 
The seer Elijah took the robe he wore, 
Which may be call'd u n}antle or a coat. 
Wrapt this together, and the water smote, 
W hich then divided, (as in days of yore) 
And they pass'd safely to the other shore. 

" Ask (said the seer) what I shall do this day 
For thee, before I'm taken quite away. 
Elisha, who kept near his master's side, 
Unto the question readily repli'd, 
" O let, I pray, thy spirit on me rest, 
Let me be with a double portion blest." 



304 EtlJArf AN© ELTSHA. 

«' What thou hast ask'd (said he) is hard indeed, 

Yet 1 thus far will to the same accede ; 

It shall be granted, if thou seest me rise — 

If thou dost not, it shall be otherwise." — 

Those who would grace, and choicest blessings gaip, 

Must by the strictest watchfulness obtain. 

Of wonders great, this was indeed, a day; 
As theyadvanc'd, conversing on the way, 
With minds united, and their hearts endear'd. 
Behold the scene ! there suddenly appeared 
A chariot bright, and flaming horses near, 
Which parted them, and took the holy seer! 
Elijah, by a Pow'r Omnipotent, 
To heaven by an awful whirlwind went! 
Elisha then who was attentive quite, 
With rev'rence saw this most amazing sight! 
" My father, O my father ! (he exclaim'd) 

^'' Chariot of Israel, and the horsemen fara'd.' • 

Elisha saw the honour'd seer no more^ 
Which was a trial and afflictit)n sore : 
His depth of sorrow then to represent, 

His garment he, in his amazement, rent. 

He then took up, in heav'nly dread and fear, 

The robe that fell from the ascended seer; 

Forthwith returned, endu'd with sovereign goodj 

Once more upon the bank of Jordan stood. 

He with Elijah's mantle, or his coat, 

The waters of the river Jordan smote ; 

" Where is the Lord, Elijah^s God ?' he cry'd; 

On which the river did again divide — 

A path he then on Jordan's bottom found. 

O'er which he pass'd on dry and solid ground. 
Some worthy sons of elder prophets good, 

Who followed them from Jericho, and stood 

Aloof, to see the wonders of the day, 

Did, on this sight, to one another say, 

" The spirit of the great Elijah, bless'd, 

Most surely doth upon Khsha rest." 

They met him then, gave him the prefVence o*er, 

And place with them, Elijah iiad before. 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 305 

Ere long Elisha well was known to fame; 
At Jericho the people to him came, , 

Spoke of their city, and the prophet told, 
** 'Twab situated pleasant Ui behold ; 
Yet they had been, by long experience taught, 
The ground was barren, and the water naught.'' 
The heedful prophet understood their view — 
" Bring me (said he) a cruse or vial new, 
And put therein some salt, that I shall need ; 
The cruse, thus fill d, was brought to him with speed. 
Then he was to the spring of waters led, 
And having cast the salt therein, he said. 
" Thus saith the Lord, these waters f have heal'd, • 
They shall be sweet, and fertile be the field.'' 
'Twas not in vain they on the seer rely'd, 
For what he said was amply verin'd. 

The seer then went to Bethel, which for years, 
Had been the seat, and was for ought appears, 
Chief place in Israel of idolatry, 
Where they might bow before an idol free. 
Here Israel's king, who was a sinner great, 
Set up a calf, to be ador'd in state.* 

Now when Elisha near the city drev/, 
A company of children, not a (e\v, 
Came from the city, mock'd the prophet fani'd, 
" Go up bald head ! go up bald head!" exclaim'd. 
He turn d about and curs'd them in the name 
Of his great Lord, and vengeance on them came ; 
For lo ! two bears, from an adjacent wood, 
As though they had an order understood, 
Rush'd out, and on these wicked children bore, 
And forty-two of them in pieces tore. 

Unlikely 'tis a judgment so severe. 
Would have been laid upon the children here, 
Had this their mocking him upon the road, 
From ignorance, and childish folly flow'd : 
Therefore we may, with reason good, conclude, 
The seer was with a sense divine endu'd, 

^ 1 Kings, xii. 28, 29. 
27 



306 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

That they had been, by idol servers taught— 

Their parents vile, and other persons naught, 

To mock at him, as prophet of the Lord, 

Who would not with their wickedness accord ; 

But who against idolatry and pride, 

Like an undaunted prophet te?tifi'd. 

This insult offer'd to him then must be, 

To his prophetic high capacity — 

On Him reflecting, who inspir'd the seer, 

Against this idol worship to appear ; 

Therefore the hand on them was laid with weighf, 

And they were punish'd with a judgment great. 

This prophet mov'd as he was rightly sent, 
From Bethel forth unto Mount Carmel went, 
And then perhaps, without a long delay, 
Went from Mount Carmel to Samaria. 

While he was there, increased in truth and fi^me> 
To him a certain worthy woman came ; 
She was a widow, it is said, of one, 
Who in that day was call'd a prophet's son. 
She gieatly straiten'd to Elisha said, 
^' Thy servant, my dear husband, now is dead ; 
And though in df'bt, was one, well known to bp, 
Who fear'd the Lord with great sincerity. 
(Therefore my husband surely was not one 
Who into debt by evil courses run.) 
Not having left wherewith his debts to pay, 
The creditors have come to take away 
My sons for bondmen — in this grievous strait, 
O man of God ! my grief is very great" 

The prophet listen'd to the widow's cries, 
Could not but with her deeply sympathize. 
"What shall I do for thy relief, (said he) 
What is remaining in thy house with thee f" 

** My house, alas i (she then reply d) is bare 

A pot of oil is all of value there." 

«' Go forth (said he) and on thy neighbours caJL 

And empty vessels borrow of them all : 

Be careful in collecting them to view, 

To mark my words, that there be not a few : 



ELTJAH ANJD ELISHA. 307 

Bring them within, and shut thy dwelling door 
On thee and sons — the oil thou then shalt pour 
Into the vessels that thou didst prt^pare, 
Set those aside, that are well fill'd, with care." 

The woman then the prophet's word obey'd, 
Of vessels she a great collection made — 
She shut herself and sons within, as taught, 
And they to her the empty vessels brought. 
She then the oil into the vessels pourM, 
A wondrous plenty did her jar afford. 
As long as they an empty vessel found. 
The oil increased, continued to abound : 
When she had fill'd the vessels in her store, 
The oil was stay'd ; her pot would yield no more. 

The widow then went to the seer again, 
What she had done related to him plain : 
Just how the oil had wondrously increas'd, 
And when the vessels all were full it ceas'd. 
He counselld her to go to her abode, 
To sell the oil, and pay the debt she ow'd : 
Then she, together with her children bless'd, 
Should freely have their living from the rest. 

Ere long we hear of this great man of fame^ 
That he to Shunem in his travels came. 
The tribe of Issachar possess'd the town — 
There dwelt a woman then of great renown, 
Whose spouse was ancient, as appears, in life, 
Had left his business to his worthy wife, 
She saw Elisha often pass that way, 
Invited him to call and eat one day. 
He found indeed, a kind reception there, 
Both from the husband and this worthy fair. 
Thenceforth, when ever he that way was led. 
He turn'd in there, to be refresh'd with bread. 

When well convinc'd that she was not deceiv'd, 
She told her husband, " She indeed believ'd. 
This guest, who often call'd at their abode. 
Most surely was a holy man of God. 
That it was her desire to make a small. 
Convenient chamber for him on the wall j 



308 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

When that was done, to set for him (she said) 
A table, stool, a candlestick and bed ; 
That when he should to their abode repair, 
He might, with freedom, take his lodging there." 

This she propos'd, and readily the man 
Consented to his female partner's plan. 
The room was thus prepared, without delay, 
And when Elisha tame again that way, 
He was directed to that room with care, 
And he thenceforward took his lodging there. 

Pleas'd with this treatment, plain indeed, but kind, 
And having a devoted heart and mind, 
To recompense his benefactors great, 
Th© worthy landlord and his faithful mate. 
One time when he was in this lodging place, 
His heart replenish'd with the sweets of grace, 
He bid his servant go and speak aright, 
To his kind hostess, call'd the Shunamite, 
Acknowledge her benevolence and care. 
And that to grant a recompense was fair. 
Ask her if he might serve in any thing ; 
If he for her might speak unto the king, 
Or on the captain of the host should call, 
To grant her aid in any thing at all ^ 
To this Gehazi good attention paid, 
His master's word's before the woman laid. 
" rhou may st return, and the good prophet tell, 
That I (says she) with my own people dwell f ' 
Here intimating, as may well be view'd. 
That she and neighbours liv'd in quietude, 
And needed not redress in any thing, 
Either from captain of the host, or king. 

Gehazi told this to his master dear : 
*' What can be done then for her ?" said the seer. 
" Why (said Gehazi) 1 have sure been told. 
She hath no child, her husband now is old.'' 
The prophet understood his meaning clear. 
Said to bis servant, " Call the woman here." 
On this she came, and silent stood before 
The godly prophet, just within the door. 



ELIJAH AND ELI S HA. 309 

He, free from flatt'ring compliments was led, 
Or ceremonies, to the woman said : 
" When thou the common course of life hast run, 
From near this time, thou shalt embrace a son." 
This was from her expectance so remote. 
She like a person wonderstruck, we note : 
Said, " Nay my lord, thou man of God on high, 
I cannot now upon thy words rely." 
However she, in the due time of year, 
Embraced the son predicted by the seer. 

When this lov'd infant was a little grown, 
That it could walk and run about alone, 
Into the field he to the reapers went. 
To find his father was the child's intent. 
He bad not long been in the field before 
He was afflicted with a head-ache sore ; 
To call out to his father he was fain, 
" My head ! my head !" he cry'd aloud for pain.. 
On this his father to a servant spake. 
The child home to his mother then to take. 
This soon was done, but still with pain he cried, 
He sat till noon upon her knees, and died. 

This smote the woman with affliction sore, 
To view her child, her only hope, no more. 
She took him forthwith from her own abode, 
Into the chamber of the man of God ; 
The body of her darling child, then dead, 
She laid upon the holy prophet's bed. 
Prepared an ass ; said she, indeed would fain, 
Kun to the man of God; and come again. 
She mounted soon, did on the way proceed, 
x\nd bid the seivant on to drive with speed. 

The man of God, on whom she so rely'd, 
Was at Mount Carmel and he her espy'd, 
A distance off, but swiftly drawing near. 
Then to his servant, said the pious seer, 
*' Lo ! yonder comes the female Shunamite, 
A guest to-day that's unexpected quite : 
Run meet her now, request of her to tell, 
If she, her husband, and her child are well f-^ 

27* 



StO ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

Gehazi ran the Shunamite to meet, 
As she appruachM him in the road or street : 
But she withholding conversation here, 
Pressed on with anguish to hehold the seer. 

As soon as she could with the prophet meet, 
Behold, she fell before him at his feet. 
Awhile she there in silent grief remain'd, 
Her spirits then, with strength to speak regain'd : 
*' Did 1 desire, my lord, a son of thee ? 
Did I not say deceive me not," said she ? 
!Eie she could forth another sentence bring, 
The prophet rightly understood the thing — 
At her request he forthwith took the road, 
And follovv'd her unto her own abode. 
When he came there he-found the child was dead, 
Like clay for coldness, lying on the bed. 
He shut the door, and rais'd his fervent cry, 
To Him who reigns in majesty on high. 
"When he had pray'd devoutly, he was Ted, 
To lie recuijibent on the child in bed. 
His mouth he then to the child's mouth applies, 
His eyes he plae'd upon its lifeless eyes ; 
He with his hands of the child's hands took hold. 
And stretchd himself upon the infant cold ; 
As great and good Elijah once had done, 
When from the dead he rais'd a widow's son^ 
A little warm the infant's body grew ; 
The prophet walk'd the floor a turn or two, 
And then lay down upon the bed once more, 
Stretch'd on the child, as he had done before ; 
The infant did from death's deep sleep arise — 
Sneez'd seven times, and then unclos'd his eyes. 

Elisha calFd, as soon as this was done, 
And bid the mother take her living son. 
This was a sweet, consoling word to hear. 
She ovcrjoy'd fell down before the seer, 
And bow'd herself most humbly to the ground. 
Before that Pow'r, in reverence profound, 
By which the child from silent death was brought. 
Thro' which so great a miracle was wrought, 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 3H 

In consequence ofthe good prophet's cries; 
She took her child, with joy and great surprise. 

Fhe seer departed, and to Gilgal went, 
Where he some time with the young prophets spent j 
So great a famine was prevailing there, 
The country round was of provisions bare. 
The prophet's sons, in number many here, 
One certain time were sitting round the seer; 
He bid the servant the great pot to take, 
And pottage for the hungry people make. 
Forth to the field an active young man went, 
To gather herbs for pottage his intent. 
He brought a lap full of some herbs, we find. 
In nature poison to the human kind : 
This was into the boiling pottage thrown, 
And pour'd out for the men to eat, unknown. 
S'»me ill effect, or unexpected harm, 
While eating gave a very great alarm : 
"O man of God !'" the people terrified, 
" Lo ! there is death within the pot," they cried. 
The prophet, when he heard the people's moan, 
Call'd for some meal, which in the pot was thrown, 
" Pour out (said he) now for the people round ;'' 
So they ate freely, and no harm was found. 

To this great seer of everlasting fame, 
A worthy man from Baalshalisha came ; 
Thereto by love, and feeling kindness taught, 
Some of the first and choicest fruits he brought ; 
Full twenty loaves of barley, it appears, 
And corn in husks, well grown and luscious ears. 
That food was scarce was by the prophet known. 
His heart could not the banquet keep alone ; 
He bid his servant set it, as a treat. 
Before the people, who were there to eat. 
Gehazi thought he knew not how to spare, 
A portion that \v&? then so sweet and rare : 
*' Must I," exclaim'd the faithless servant then, 
" This morsel set before a hundred men .^" 

The gen'rous seer did his command repeat ; 
" Give to the people, that they all may eat ; 



312 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

It truly is the gracious Lord*s decree, 

That they shall eat and leave thereof," said he. 

He set it then before the people there, 

They ate their fill, and had thereof to spare ; 

According to the never failing word. 

Of this true prophet, spoken by the Lord. 

While he there with the prophet's sons abode. 
They to the seer address'd themselves, and show'd, 
Their habitation was indeed too strait. 
Their want of good accommodations great. 
" Let us, said they, to Jordan's bank repair, 
And cut some timber from the plenty there ; 
Each with his beam will then return, to rear 
A more commodious habitation here.'' 

This new proposal gain'd his free consent ; 
But they to go without him not content : 
One of the men did to Elisha say, 
*' Vouchsafe to bear us company, I pray." 
To go with them he readily agreed ; 
So they united, to the place proceed. 
And fell to work to cut the timber down ; 
Their overseer, this prophet of renown. 

As one of them was cutting down a tree, 
'Twas with an axe, his neighbour lent him free, 
The axe head swiftly from the handle flew, 
And sunk in Jordan, far from human view. 
The troubled workman to the prophet ran, 
*' Master, alas ! 'twas borrow'd," cry'd the man^ 
Where fell the axe, the man of God inquir'd ; 
The workman show'd him what he then desir'd. 
Tfie prophet soon performed a wonder new, 
Cut down a stick that by the river grew. 
Toward the axe it then was cast by him. 
With pow'r of faith that made the iron swim. 
The workman then, at the good seers command, 
Stretch'd out his arm and took the axe in hand. 

Awhile Elisha at this place remain d, 
Pass'd to Samaria then in love unfeign'd. 
And found his presence much was needed there, 
By reason of a singular affair. 



ELIJAH AND £LIS2iA> 313 

Benhadad, who o'er Syria's kingdom reign'd, 
Had then a gen'ral, who his love had gain'd ; 
He for great valour was a man of fame, 
And consequence ; Naaman was his name. 
Though he was rais'd to such a high degree. 
He was afflicted with the leprosy. 

The Syrians once had with a warlike band, 
With other captives brought from Israel's land, 
A little maid, who in her captive life, 
With candour waited on Naaman's wife. 
She of her lord one day, to speak was led ; 
Of his disease, to her kind mistress said, 
" VVould God; my lord was with the seer renown'df, 
That in the land of Israel is found, 
For he is able, 1 am very sure, 
My master of his leprosy to cure.'' 

One present soon before the monarch laid, 
What had been stated by the captive maid. 
The king of this, with pleasure took a view, 
And bid Naaman the advice pursue ; 
Said he would freely, letters by him sendj, 
To Israel's king him well to recommend. 
Naaman, that he noble might appear, 
Ten silver talents carry'd for the seer : 
In dollars reckon'd, as the learned fix. 
To sixteen thousand, six hundred sixty-six. 
He took six thousand pi( ces too, of gold ; 
Equivalent, as we by some are told, 
To twenty thousand silver dollars quite, 
Enough to give a Balaam great delight. 
Of raiment choice he carry'd changes ten, 
And left Damascus, with a train of men 5 
In splendour great he to Samaria came. 
The royal seat of Israel's kings of fame : 

When there arriv'd, the letter he presents • 
This was in substance, the complete contents : 
" Now when this letter comes to thee, behold, 
Naaman, who my servant is, I've told, 
Therewith to go, and to request of thee,. 
Him to recover of his leprosy." 



3*14 ELIJAH AND ELI S HA. 

When this was read, and view'd by IsraePs king, 
He thought it was a most abusive thing; 
That some design was with these lines ally'd 5 
He rent his clothes — in his displeasure cry'd, 
"Am la God, with sovereign pow'r to kill, 
Or raise the dead, if it should be my will, 
That this strange monarch now doth send to me? 
To cure a man of hopeless leprosy ? 
Wherefore consider now, I pray to you — 
Behold how he a quarrel hath in view!'' 

The news of this strange letter to the king, 
And of the monarch's trouble at the thing, 
Came quickly to Elisha's ready ear. 
Who sent this message for the king to hear : 
" Now let the Syrian leper come to me. 
And he convinc'd with certainty shall be, 
A prophet is in Israel to be found, 
Who of his leprosy can make him sound." 

The king was glad to be thus eas'd of fear, 
Referr'd the gen'ral to the faithful seer. 
He came, and with his chariot stood before, 
(In splendour great) the humble prophet's door; 
Expecting some grand ceremonious aid — 
Performances with regular parade. 
But to Naaman's disappointment quite, 
The seer went not so much as in his sight, 
Did thus far only to the theme attend^ 
As this short message to the man to send : 
" Go wash in Jordan seven times, (said he) 
And then thy flesh shall come again to thee ; 
The benefit will readily be seen, 
Lo ! thou shalt be completely cur'd and clean." 

This was to him a disappointment dread. 
He drove away in high displeasure, said, 
" I thought he surely would have stood by me, 
And cali'd devoutly on his Deity ; 
His healing hand upon the place have laid, 
And thus the cure with dignity have made. 
Let him of Jordan's muddy river tell ! 
Will not Damascus waters do as well ? 



ELIJAH AND ELISUA, 31^ 

Are not Abana, that is flowing clear, 
And Pharpar better than the waters here ? 
Why may not I by washing there be clean ?*' 
I would not be in Jordan's river seen. 

When his vex'd mind a little cooler grew. 
His servants there entreated him to view, 
*• If some great thing was order'd by the seer, 
He surely would accomplish it with cheer; 
Then how much more it would with reason stands 
When this good prophet only gave command, 
To do a thing, though very small, not mean — 
To only wash in Jordan and be cleap." 

Thus by his servants' importunity, 
And reas'ning sound upon the subject, he 
Began of his hard feelings to relent — 
Soon took a turn, and down to Jordan went ; 
He dipp'd himself there seven times, as taught^ 
And lo ! the wondrous miracle was wrought. 
He found indeed, that he was not beguiled, 
His flesh turned like that of a little child, 
And he was clean, according to the word, 
The saying of the prophet of the Lord. 

Returning then, with all his retinue, 
He came and stood before the prophet true, 
** Behold ! I know there is no God (said he) 
In all the earth, but Israel's Deity. 
Since 1 have been so graciously relieved — - 
Through thee so great a benefit receiv'd, 
Let me the present I've prepared now make, 
I pray a blessing of thy servant take." 

The seer reply 'd, ^' As sure as lives the Lord, 
I will not from thee take the least reward." 
Naaman vvish'd him to be gratified. 
And urg'd the seer, who utterly denied. 

The gen'ral then protested to the seer. 
That he thenceforth, the Lord alone would fearj 
That he no more would offer sacrifice. 
To other lijods, but to the Lord all-wise. 
The prophet he requested then to say, 
That he flight take with him some earth away— 



316 ELIJAH AND ELI3HA. 

That he two mules with holy land might load, 
And take it home with him to his abode : 
Seem'd in his zeal, but blindness to profess, 
That there was some inherent holiness, 
Found in the earth compris'd in the extent, 
Where Israel's monarch had the government — ■ 
No sacrifice would e'er avaihng stand, 
Not made on earth of Israel's holy land. 

He then crav'd pardon for a sinful thing, 
That he had done while waiting on the king ; 
That when his master, with a blind intent, 
To worship in the house of Rimmon went — 
When there, said he, he lean'd upon my hand, 
And Ibow'd down myself at his command, 
When I there blindly worshipped with the king^ 
O may the Lord grant pardon in this thing. 
*Goon (reply'd the holy seer) in peace:"" 
He then took leave, in precious love's increase* 

As soon as he had left the seer, we find, 
The prophet's servant, said, within his mind^ 
" Although my master hath not, as he ought, 
ReceivM the present that the Syrian brought, 
I'll run to him and something of him take j 
K^o one of this can any evil make." 
He thus resolv'd, without the least delay, 
Pursu'd the Syrian gen'ral on the way. 

Naa»nan saw Gehazi running near. 
He with a heart devoted to the seer. 
Alighted from his chariot — turn'd to meet 
The prophet's servant running in the street. 
Naaman ask'd Gehazi then to tell. 
If with the seer, his master, all was well ? 
" Yes, all is well-— fwr this (said he) I came, 
My master sent, to tell thee, in his name, 
That there's arriv'd, awhile with him to fare, 
Two youthful men, who sons of prophets are— - 
And he desires of thee to give to those, 
A silver talent, and two suits of clothes." 
The Syrian gen'ral now was gratified, 
He wish'd to serve the man of God; replied, 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 31t 

^^Let me to this a small addition make, 
Be willing now, two talents home to take." 
He needed not to urge him or persuade, 
Bound two in bags, them on two servants laid. 
In dollars bright the sum is said to be 
Three thousand, and three hundred thirty-three. 
The servants back were with this cargo sent, 
And with the raiment, with Gehazi went ; 
Yet had not far to travel with the same, 
3efore they to the city tower came. 
He took the lading from the servants there, 
And laid it in a secret place with care. 
When this was to his satisfaction done, 
He let the men back to their master run. 

Gehazi thinking all was safely o'er, 
Went in his master's presence as before. 
The seer, by a divine, internal view. 
Saw where he'd been and well his purpose knew : 
*' Whence com^st thou Gehazi," to him said ? 
To tell another falsehood he was led : 
" Thy servant sure, no whither went," (said he.) 
" No ! said the seer, went not my heart with thee ? 
Did I not see Naaman quit his seat. 
Turn from the chariot freely thee to meet ^ 
Is it a time, dost thou indeed believe. 
Rewards of gold and garments to receive ^ 
Since thou therefore, hast coveted the gold, 
Brought by the Syrian officer, behold ! 
1'hy doom is fix'd, his leprosy indeed. 
Shall cleave to thee, and also to thy seed." 

The sentence passM upon Gehazi here, 
By this divinely animated seer, 
For avarice and falsehood very great, 
Fell on Gehazi, with a hand of weight : 
For he did from his master's presence go, 
A loathsome leper, white as milk or snow. 

Awhile from this, for cruel scenes array'd, 
The Syrian king, a war on Israel made : 
He held a council with his heralds free, 
Aad they concluded where the camp should be. 

^8 



318 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

The secret which they closely kept conceaPd, 
"Was to the seer — the man of God, reveaPd. 
So he sent word to Israel's king, wiih care, 
To notify him where the Syrians were, 
And gave him warning not to pass that way, 
For there, in wait, the Syrians for him lay. 
The seer, who was so excellent a guide. 
Thus sundry times the monarch notifi'd. 
On which the king would send some men to view, 
Who found, each time, the information true. 
Thus through the medium of the seer benign, 
Escap'd the fate of the corrupt design. 
Therefore, 'tis said, the heart of Syria's king. 
Was sorely troubled at the wondrous thing. 
He caird his men, * Will ye to tell refuse, 
Which is the wretch that's friendly to the Jews f 
Who thus delights in his own country's woe,^- 
Conveys our secrets to my bitter foe f" 

A servant there, one faithful to his side, 
(Who with Naaman might have been) repli'd : 
" 'Tis not, O king ! an individual here ; 
It is Elisha, Israel's famous seer — 
He tells his monarch what by thee is said, 
Though in thy chamber, on the royal bed.'* 
Then, said the king, " Go let the place be spy'd, 
Where he does now undoubtedly reside. 
That I may send a party there to seize. 
And bring him safely to this place with ease.'* 

On hearing this, one of the monarch's men 
Told him the prophet was in Dothan then, 
A little city, to Samaria near; 
They thought ihe way to apprehend him clear. 
The Syrian monarch, from his mighty throng, 
Sent horses, chariots and a party strong, 
That swiftly came to Dothan in the night. 
Which they surrounded ere the morning light. 

At dawn of day, the servant of the seer, 
(A new one likely, for no more we hear. 
That false Gehazi did upon him wait, 
After the day of his transgression great) 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

Went out and found to his astonishment, 

The city with a hostile army pent. 

He saw the horses and the chariots round, 

And warriors with a military sound : 

He ran within, extremely terrified, 

"Master, alas! what shall we do f ' he cried. 

At this Elisha, not at all dismayed, 
Desir d his servant not to be afraid — 
Said. '' These with us are many more than those. 
That are without, with our invading foes/^ 
And to convince his servant this was true, 
He pray'd the Lord to let him take a view : 
And lol the Lord unveiPd the young man^s eyes, 
So that with wonder and with great surprise, 
He saw the mountain full of horses near, 
And fiery chariots round the placid seer. 

The Syrians thought this an auspicious hour, 
They view'd the seer completely in their povv'r : 
So they came down to him without delay. 
To seize and take him speedily away. 
EHsha pray'd to Him who rules with might. 
That He would them with sudden blindness smite* 
And wonderful ! the men were struck so blind, 
That no one knew the prophet they would find. 

Elisha spoke, " Lo ! this is not (said he) 
The way, nor city, where you ought to be ; 
But follow me, and I will forthwith bring 
You to the man, you're seeking /or the king." 

The seer was followed by the band of men, 
Just as a brood of chickens will a hen : 
The warriors far from taking him away. 
Were led by him straight to Samaria. 
He pray'd the Lord then to unveil their eyes. 
On which they saw, with wonderful surprise, 
Themselves alluiM into Samaria's street. 
Surrounded by their enemies complete. 

The king of Israel's ardency arose, 
To slay this band of his detested foes. 
But was indeed, to give command, in fear, 
Without consulting with the worthy seer, 



319 



320 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

To know his mind on this important thing : 
*'My father, shall I smite them?" said the king? 
" By no means, (said the peaceful prophet) for; 
Had they been taken prisoners of war, 
Yet, after quarter, they protection gain ; 
Thou wouldst not have submissive captives slairi» 
Far less shouldst thou upon a party fail, 
Thou hast not taken in the war at all ; 
But rather freely set before them food, 
That having feasted on provisions good, 
They to their master may return and tell, 
That they were treated in Samaria well." 
This counsel was, by him who bore the sway, 
Attended to, and that without delay : 
The Syrian soldiers at a splendid feast, 
Were entertain'd, and peaceably releas'd. 

The Syrian king would not the maxim heed, ^ 
That *' honesty's best policy" indeed : 
It was a lesson hard to learn and do, 
As more than once he had been done unto f 
For he, ere long, collected all his host, 
Anxious to have of some exploit to boast 5 
Went with his mighty army in parade, 
A grievous siege he to Samaria laid % 
He sorely on the royal city press'd, 
And the besieged severely were distressed. 
How long this held, no one can now relate ; 
So long it caus'd a fa^iine very great. 
The people of Samaria had to eat, 
The most unwholesome, and disgusting meat. 
An ass's head, in that dire strait, was sold 
For fourscore silver pieces, we are told. 
These pieces shekels (as the learned view) 
Amount in dollars quite to twenty-two. 
The famine in the city was extreme, 
So that the dung of doves was in esteem : 
For three full gills, (thus hunger keen allay'd) 
Of this they then five silver pieces paid. 
This was one hundred forty cents complete, 
For such a mess as we should loathe to eat. 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 321 

JBut ev'ry person, in the trying day, 
Could not find money, at this rate to pay, 
If they could these commodities have found ; 
Therefore alas! the indigent around, 
AVere driven, in this doleful scene of strife, 
To dire extremes to save a wretched life. 

As Israel's king was passing on a wall, 
A woman did in deep affliction call : 
Her direful subject to his view to bring, 
She cry'd to him, " Help me, my lord, O king l" 
He thinking she would importune for bread. 
In his reply, he somewhat roughly said, 
" If thou art not supported by the Lord, 
Whence shall I help, in any shape, afford ? 
Shall I assist thee, when distress is sore, 
From the wine press, or from the threshing floor ?" 

By this short answer no ways satisfied. 
It seems that she still to the monarch cried. 
He ask d what aiPd her ? she distressed and faint, 
With this dire tale, related her complaint ; 
*' This woman (pointing to another one) 
In our distress, said, give to me thy son, 
That we to-day may save our lives with meat. 
And then to-moirow, we, my son, will eat. 
So we acireed, and, doleful to relate. 
We boiTd my son, and him in anguish ate! 
On the next day, (to tell the truth 1 dread) 
Give now thy son, I to the woman said. 
That we may eat him (as agreed) to-day, 
And now, behold ! her son she hid away.'' 

This was one only of the judgments sore, 
Which Moses told that people, long before, 
Would fall on them as a chastising rod, 
If they rebell'd against the Lord their God ;* 
And cherefore might the less surprising be. 
When brought, with anguish, to reality : 
Yet as the thing abhorrent was indeed, 
For parents on their children's flesh to ^eed; 

* Deut xxviii. 53. 
28* 



322 ELIJAH AND EUSHA. 

On hearing this, it cut him to the heart, 
Like a mo^t deeply penetrating dart ; 
That he, his clothes, in depth of sorrow rent : 
Whereby the people who around him went, 
Perceiv'd he sackcloth underneath had laid ; 
Upon his flesh, was, mourner-like, array'd. 

Altho' the monarch thus upon him bore, 
External signs of sorrow deep and sore j 
Yet he alas ! held not at all to view. 
One token of repentance that was true : 
For bursting forth, outrageously severe, 
Against Elisha, that devoted seer, 
As tho' he was the instrument to bring, 
This evil on the people and the king ; 
He swore, ere he repos'd upon the bed, 
That he'd take ofTthe seer Elisha's head. 
Forthwith he did an officer depute, 
And sent him on, his word to execute : 
The monarch also, with a ruffled mind. 
Went after him, not very far behind. 
Elisha sitting in his dwelling-place. 
The elders round him of the prophets' race ; 
The king's design was not from him conceal'd, 
'Twas by the Spirit of the Lord reveard. 
Then while the herald was toward him bound. 
He thus addressed the elder's sitting round ; 
*' See how the wicked Ahab's son is led, 
XjO ! he hath sent to take away my head ! 
Mind when the man comes on the errand vile. 
To shut the door, and keep him out awhile, 
(Till I deliver faithfully the word, 
The message I have to them from the Lord) 
For is not now behind him in the street. 
The sound of his malignant master's feet ?" 

He'd scarce done speaking thus to them, before 
The executioner approach'd the door. 
The elders held him on the theme, we find, 
Without reserve declared to him their mind, 
That this calamity, the famine sore. 
Their suit 'rings, such as were unknown before^ 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 323 

Was a dire judgment (not a casual thing) 
For sin upon the people and their king. 
He, or perhaps the king whq came behind, 
To them exclaim'd in a most desp'rate mind, 
" Nay, if it be as you now represent. 
That this great evil from above is sent, 
Why should I longer wait upon the Lord, 
Or trust in him who will no help afford." 

Elisha listen'd to this speech profane, 
On hearing it, no longer could contain ; 
He knew, indeed, in whom he could confide, 
*' Hear now the word that's from the Lord, he cry'd ;.. 
Thus saith the Lord, to-morrow near this hour, 
There shall be sold a measure of fine flour, 
For t)ne small shekel at our city gate — 
Of barley good, two measures at that rate." 

A lord was present, feeling high and grand, 
(The king was gently leaning on his hand) 
On hearing this, he view'd the prophet's word. 
Extravagant, impossible, absurd ! 
The short time view'd ; he vaunted o'er the seer, 
To him reply'd with a deriding jeer: 
" Suppose the Lord would windows make for grain, 
To pour from heav'n, would not the thought be vain .''*' 

This deep contempt of gracious words that came. 
Delivered in the great Jehovah's name. 
By one commissioned from the King on high, 
Drew from the prophet this severe reply : 
" Thine eyes shall see it, 1 to thee declare, 
But thou shalt not a morsel of it share.'' 

How this strange message could be verified — 
How they could be with such a store supplied, 
In that short time, amidst their dreary woes, 
The city then surrounded by their foes, 
Vi' as far beyond the human eye to see : 
But He who is the ruling Deity^ — 
Who form'd of old the universe, can plan, 
And work great wonders unforseen by njan. 
Thus, notwithstanding unbelief, in need. 
The wondrous thing was brought about with speed. 



324 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

Four leprous men, most indigent their state, 
Sat near the entrance of Samaria's gate ; 
They thus were forc'd without the gate, 'lis said, 
That they might not their dire infection spread. 
Their wish was near the portal to remain, 
For fear they might be by the Syrians slain. 

If in the city famine reign'd severe, 
They suffered hunger with a witness here : 
They sat oppress'd by grief and famine sore, 
lill they were likely soon to breathe no more. 
At length they said to one another, " Why 
Should we set here until we pine and die ^ 
If we attempt to enter with the throng, 
And find admittance, there the famine's strong ; 
Our lives we then could not at all sustain, 
And we shall die if here we still remain: 
Let us therefore, united, one and all, 
Into the host of our invaders fall ; 
If we are sav'd, 'tis by the powV on high, 
And if they kill us, then we shall but die.'' 

On this resolv'd, they in the twilight rose. 
Not to be seen deserting to their foes, 
And forthwith to the Syrian camp they went, 
Where they arriv'd with great astonishment ; 
For when they view'd the utmost parts with care, 
They found, in fact, no human being there ! 
For lo ! the Lord, who rules the spacious sphere, 
Had caus'd the great invading host to hear 
The noise of horses, chariots in full speed ! 
Just like a host invincible indeed ; 
The Syrian camp sufficient to surround, 
And in a moment crush them to the ground. * 
At which they were extremely terrified, 
And in the depth of consternation cried ; 
*' Lo I Israel's king the Hittites host hath hir'd. 
And the Egyptians, long for war admii'd, 
And they are coming, with a force unknown, 
And we shall be completely overthrown.'' 
In their alarm, and sudden, awful dread, 
They rose confus'd, and in the twilight fled! 



ELIJAH AND ELlSHAi 32S{ 

I'hey left their tents, and all the horses tied. 
Not taking time to mount on them to ride — 
Fled from the camp ; in great distraction ran ; 
To save one life, the aim of evVy man. 

When these four men had searched the camp around, 
And that the coast was wholly clear they found, 
Their first thing was to listen to the cry, 
Of bitter hunger — that to satisfy : 
A tent they enter'd where with pleasure sweet, 
They ate and drank till they were fiU'd complete ; 
They found rich treasures (with increased delight) 
Gold, silver, raiment, which they hid that night : 
Then in another found as rich a prize, 
Which they took out and hid away likewise. 

They here into a deep reflection fell, 
Said to each other, " Are we doing well ? 
This is a day of tidin2!;s great and ^rood ^ 
Should wo be silent, when suffic'd with food ? 
If we until the dawn of morning stay, 
We to some mischief might become a prey." 
They then concluded that it would be well, 
T«j go with speed, and the king's household tell. 
With bodies strengthen'd and with hearts elate, 
They then return'd unto the city gate ; 
There to the porter gave an eager call, 
And told the tidings— joyful news for all : 
To other porters he proclaimM the thing. 
And they, with speed, conveyed it to the king. 

The king thereon, rose from the royal bed, 
To view it as a stratagem was led ; 
Said to his servants, *' Pll relate to yoii, 
Just what the crafty Syrians have in view 5 
They know our hunger we can scarce endure, 
And would our army from the city lure. 
They from the camp in policy are gone — 
Into the fields to hide themselves withdrawn ; 
When we come out this will by them be done. 
They'll seize on us, and in the city run." 

They, on consulting, mounted two bold men? 
On two of their poor chariot horses then, 



326 ELIJAH AND ELI 3 HA. 

An^ they forthwith were by the monarch sefttj 
To find which way the Syrian army went. 
These active scouts pursued without delay, 
As far as Jordan, and they found the way 
Was full ofclothes. and other things, that night, 
The Syrians scatter'd, in their doleful flight. 
So they return'd in haste, and told the king — • 
The glorious news made hopeless hearts to sing^ 
The minds of all the citizens elate. 
At this deliv'rance, sudden, strange, and great. 
The joyful people went without delay, 
Forth to the camp, to seize upon the prey ; 
Great riches found, and in their hunger stire. 
Provisions choice, a most abundant store. 
This they with joy collected, and behold ! 
That day, a measure of fine flour was sold 
For one small shekel, in the plenty great, 
And measures two of barley, at that rate, 
According to the very gracious word, 
Proclaim'd by good Elisha from the Lord. 

That these choice stores might not embezzled be 
And wondrous crowd be from disorder free j 
The king appointed that ungodly peer. 
Who slighted the prediction of the seer, 
To keep good order at the city gate, 
Tliro' which they took the booty very great. 
The multitude, with scarcity in pain — 
A share of food impatient to obtain. 
Together rush'd, regardless of the word, 
Within the gate trod on and kill'd that lord. 
Altho' he saw the great and wondrous good, 
As was forptold, he tasted not the food. 
This heavy judgment came by heav'n's decree, 
Not only for his incredulity, 
But his contempt of the most gracious word, 
Spoke by the holy prophet of the Lord. 

Aitho' Samaria, by this siege and strait, 
Was most afilicted with the famine great, 
Yet all the land of Israel, it appears, 
Felt Its effects, at least, for seven years. 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA, 327 

Of which Elisha, by a true foresight, 

Informed his friend, the worthy Shuiiamite, 

Who had this prophet, with regard unfeign'd, 

Some time before, so kindly entertain'd — 

She whose dear son, when lifeless on the bed, 

He, to her joy, recovered from th^- dead. 

He gave this godly woman counsel good, 

To go with all her household where she could, 

And to sojourn, until the famine sore. 

Should in the land, her native soil be o'er. 

She thus informed a famine would be sent, 

Into the land of the Philistines went, i 

With all her household, there she made a stand, 

While this distress was in her native land. 

The famine o'er, she then return'd again. 
Found she could not her property obtain. 
Her house and fields by others were possessed, 
Who would not listen lo her when distressed. 
To court she went, on the important thing. 
Her just complaint to lay before the king. 

The monarch she in conversation found 
With the old servant of the seer renown'd, 
Gehazi nam'd, who at the king's desire, 
Detail'd to him the wonders we admire ; 
The miracles that made Elisha shine, 
Perform'd when aided by a Pow'r Divine, 
He in his strange narration to the king, 
Was just relating one important thing 5 
That once a body, lifeless on the bed. 
Was rais'd by that great prophet from the dead. 
That instant, lo ! the woman, and her son, 
On whom this wondrous miracle was done. 
Came in and stood before the monarch great, 
And him petition'd for the lost estate. 

*' My lord, O king ! (Qehazi then exclaira'd) 
This is the woman, 1 this moment nam'd, 
And this her son, of whom in truth I said. 
The seer Elisha rais'd him from the dead !" 

Now this fell out most opportunely there ; 
And happily for this afflicted fair j 



528 E.!;.IJAH AND ELISHA* 

For if the heedful, and the wond'ring king, 
^as charm'd with the relation of the thing — 
He now was so affected with a sense 
Of the overruling, gracious Providence, 
That had indeed, another wonder wrought, 
The woman and her son before him brought, 
Whereby he had a real chance to view, 
What some might think more marvellous than true ; 
One who'd been rais'd when void of life aqd breath- 
Reanimated from the sleep of death. 

The king jthen of the Shunamite inquired, 
And had confirmed the wonder he admir'd. 
The mjonarch gave an officer command, 
To place her in possession of her land, 
Her dwelling house and whole estate once more, 
And all the profits of the same restore 
To her complete, from time she went away, 
From her possessions, to that very day. 

Benhadad, who was reigning Syria o'er, 
pell sick of a disorder that was sore ; 
And hearing that the celebrated seer, 
Was in Damascus, to him very near, 
He bid Hazael, his attendant great, 
To take a present, and to go in state, 
To meet the prophet : this was his desire, 
That he by him might of the Lord inquire, 
If he should be deliver'd from his pain, 
And any more his state of health res^ain ? 

The herald listen'd to the monarch's voice, 
Took of the things, held in Damascus, choice, 
A royal present forty camels' load. 
And went with them, to meet the man of God, 
A present fitter for a prince to make, 
Than for a prophet of the Lord to take. 

So he forthwith, unto Elisha came. 
And then address'd him in the monarch's name s 
" Thy son Benhadad, who o'er Syria reigns, 
Is now distressed with sickness and with pains. 
And hath to thee, in his affliction sent, 
To ask of Him who is omnipotent— 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 329 

fiim, who into futurity can see, 

If I shall from this sore disease be free f 

Elisha answer'd, " Go the monarch tell, 
That he again may certainly be well ; 
And yet the Lord, the majesty on high^ 
Hath shown to me that he shall surely die.'' 

This may appear a contradiction quite, 
Yet there is none, when comprehended right. 
The former section of this answer plain, 
That he hk health may certainly regain, 
The nature of his case alluded to, 
"Which was not mortal, in the prophet's view; 
But certainly might be by him endur'd, 
And, with the care that was essential, cur'd. 
The latter portion of the seer's reply. 
Which is, the monarch certainly shall die, 
Related to his foresight of the thing, 
Hazael's perfidy against the king — 
That he v/ould slay him for his own renown. 
To gain himself accession to the crown. 

The sense of this, and the true prophet's view. 
Of mischief he the Israelites would do, 
Then caus'd Elisha silent to remain — 
Look on the herald, with an air of pain ; 
Until Hazael was asham'd, 'tis said, 
And sad Elisha was to weeping led. 
By which the prince w^as in his feelings tried, 
" Why weepeth now my lord ?" he gently cried. 
" I know indeed, by an unerring view. 
The evil thou to Israel will do ! 
For their strong holds thou wilt in ruins lay — 
And their young men, in boundless fury slay — 
"Wilt dash the children from their mother's care, 
And, void of mercy, kill the tender fair." 

He could not bear this from the prophet fam'd, 
But in his great astonishment exclaim'd, 
*' What is thy servant, but a dog in view ! 
That he so great and vile a thing should do ^'^ 
Thus show'd abhorrence, to a great degree, 
Of such a direful inhumanity ; 

29 



330 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

And wonder'd that the prophet could believe, 
That he could things of magnitude achieve 
" The Lord hath shown rae (said the seer again) 
That thou wilt over Syria's kingdom reign.' 

Away he went then to the troubled king, 
And made a wrong report about the thing : 
InformM him thus, '^ The prophet told me plaia, 
That thou thy health should certainly regain.'^ 
But he, so foreign from the cure was led, 
Next day, a thick cloth dipt in water, spread 
It o'er the monarch's face so tight, he died, 
Amidst his glory and aspiring pride. 
Hazael, then, the seat of state obtained — 
Was crown'd, with speed, and over Syria reign'd. 

Elisha calPd (upon a theme to run) 
A young man there they term'd a prophet's son ? 
Said, *' Take this box that's fill'd with oil, and lo I 
Thoushalt, with it, to Ramoth-Gilead go : 
When there arriv'd, look out for one of fame, 
Son of Jehoshaphat, Jehu by name ; 
And when thou dost before the man appear, 
Invite him to an inner chamber near, 
Then pour this oil upon the young man's head, 
And this by thee must unto him be said — 
Thus saith the Lord, I have anointed thee, 
A monarch over Israel to be. 
Thy errand done, no longer there delay, 
Unclose the door, and come with speed away." 

With this instruction, h(? the young man sent, 
Who forthwith unto Ramoth-Gilead went. 
Where he the captains of the army found : 
In an apartment they were sitting round. 
The young man made a step among them free, 
Said, *' Captain, I've an errand now to thee." 
As no one's name was mention'd by the seer, 
" To which of us (said Jehu) who are here .?" 
The prophet unto Jehu then reply'd, 
" To thee, O captain !" 1 would speak aside. 

To this he gain'd young Jehu's free consent. 
Who with him to an inner chamber went : 



3ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 331 

The prophet pour'd the oil upon his head. 
And then proceeding with his message said, 
" Thus saith the Lord, 1 have anointed thee, 
A monarch over Israel to be ; 
And thou thy mast^^r Ahab's house shall smite, 
That I may my true prophets' blood requite, 
And blood of all my servants in the land — 
Avenge it at proud Jezebel's own hand, 
I will cut off, I now declare to thee, 
All that vile king and queen's posterity. 
And Ahab's house I'll make like one before, 
Like Jeroboam's, who are now no more ; 
And like king Baasha's, who gross evil wrought ; 
Whose race likewise were to extinction brought i 
And dogs the flesh of Jezebel shall eat, 
When she lies lifeless in Jezreel's street — 
That sinner who was over Israel crown'd. 
And there shall none to bury her be found." 
And when the youthful prophet thus had said. 
He, as directed by his master, fled. 

Upon this passage we may take a view, 
That though Elisha, to his master true, 
A young man sent upon a subject great— 
An errand of importance and of weight ; 
He accurate instruction to him gave, 
How he should through the enterprise behave, 
When he for monarch was anointing one. 
And his escape, as soon as that was done. 
Yet what was said, on the important thing. 
For which bold Jehu was appointed king ; 
That is to raise him to a potent place — 
Authority to cut off Ahab's race ; 
That part doth not by sacred writ appear. 
To be dictated by the elder seer; 
But rather we the messenger might view ; 
Although but young, himself a prophet too : 
That he received, on Ahab's dread reward, 
Immediately his message from the Lord. 

Jehu's companions very anxious were. 
To understand the prophet's errand there. 



^32 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

They wish'd to know if all indeed was well, 
And pressed him what the message was to tell. 
Though first reluctant, he at length made free, 
These were, he said, the prophet's words to me : 
" Thus saith the Lord, thee to the crown I'll brings 
I now anoint thee over Israel king." 

As soon as that was sounded in their ear, 
They seem'd as if they card no mare to hear : 
"With great rejoicing, and the trumpet's ring, 
0*er Israel's kingdom tbey proclaim'd him king^ 

When this was done, he with a prudent mind, 
The captains into counsel took, we find. 
" If it consistent with your views appear, 
Let none (said he) go from the city here, 
To carry tidings to Jtzreel to-day ^" 
Where Joram, Israel's present monarch lay, 
To be reliev'd, or heal'd of wounds then sore, 
That he received, not very long before, 
In an engagement with the Syrian host, 
Of which, in fact, he nothing had to boast. 
And thither also Ahaziah went, 
The king of Judab — this was his intent, 
To visit Joram, with a tender care. 
While he lay wounded, in afiiiction there. 

When Jehu found he must the sceptre sway^ 
He for Jezreel set out without delay ; 
Concluding in his valour then to rise, 
And there to take the monarch by surprise. 
Wiiile he march'd on, with all his retinue, 
And came to where the city was in view, 
The watchmen from the tou'r of Jezreel saw 
A company toward ihe city draw. 
As soon as this he from the city spy'd, 
"Behold ! there comes a band of men," he cried; 

The tidings of this unexpected thing, 
Was soon related to the wounded king. 
A horseman take and send without delay, 
Was his command, and meet them on the way. 
And query of them in the monarch's name, 
If they in peace then to the city came ? 



ELIJAH AND EL13HA. 333 

On this direction of the king, a man, 

On horseback, swiftly forth to Jehu ran ; 

And ask'd him in the king of Israel's name, 

If he to them in peace and friendship came. 

** Pray, what hast thou to do with peace this day ? 

Said Jehu ; turn behind me on the way." 

The watchman, who the horseman's motion spy'd, 

On seeing this, he from the tower cried, 

*' The messenger rode to the men amain. 

But he returns not back to us again.'' 

On this the king another horseman sent, 
Who with great speed, to this new monarch went, 
Told him the king would wish to understand, 
If he for peace, was coming with his band i* 
Pray, what hast thou to do with peace (said he) 
Turn now behind, is my command to thee." 

The watchman told, as he had done before, 
" The man went to them, but returns no more ; 
Their driving seems like Jehu's mode indeed, 
For they come on with his surprising speed." 

On this the king call'd to his servants there. 
Told them forthwith his chariot to prepare. 
And Israel's king, to give his ride a zest, 
Took Ahaziah, then his royal guest: 
Each monarch rode in his own chariot then, 
And forth they went to meet the band of men. 

As wisdom led, that rolls great wonders round. 
They met upon the very spot of ground, 
That Ahab, took, by cruelty and might. 
From Naboth, the poor murder'd Jezreelite. 
As soon as Joram near to Jehu came, 
The question that he ask'd him was the same ; 
'' Is it peace, Jehu f^' was the monarch's cry— 
And he receiv'd from him this rough reply : 
'* What peace ! may we not tell of peace in vain, 
While thy vile mother, Jezebel doth reign ? 
'Tis vanity indeed for peace to wait. 
Her lewdness and her witchcrafts are so great." 

By this bold answer Israel's monarch knew, 
That Jehu had some fatal plan in view : 

29* 



334 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

And thinking he a belter chance would stand, 
To trust his heels than wield his sword in hand, 
Be crj'd out, in his great alarm and fear, 
*' There's treachery, O Ahaziah, here !'* 

As soon as this was by the monarch said, 
He turn'd his back, and in great terror fled. 
But had not time to make a flight from woe, 
Ere Jehu drew, with all his strength, a bow ; 
From which he let an arrow fly so smart, 
It penetrated Joram at the heart : 
He in his chaiiot instantly sunk down : 
So ended Joram's life without renown. 

When Jehu saw that Israel's king was dead^ 
He coolly to his captain Bidkar said, 
** Take up the body, cast it from our sight, 
Into the portion of the Jezreelite : 
For recollect how on a former day. 
When thou and I were riding on the way. 
Behind his father Ahab, when he sway'd. 
The Lord on him this heavy burden laid : 
I yesterday beheld a scene of woe, 
The blood of Naboth and his sons to flow. 
I will therefore, said he whose ways are right, 
Thee in this very plat of ground requite. 
Let him I say, be cast upon this land, 
According to the high, divine command." 

When Ahaziah, who was Judah's king, 
Saw this alarming and distressing thing, 
Forthwith toward the garden house he fled, 
And Jehu followed after him and said, 
" That monarch also in his chariot smite :" 
This was indeed an unavailing flight — 
He sorely wounded, from the doleful strife, 
Fled to Megiddo, where he clos'd his life. 
He to Jerus'lem was forthwith conveyed, 
"Uhere he was with bis predecessors laid. 
'Tis said, this king's destruction was of God, 
Who laid on him for wickedness the rod. 

Jehu pursued his course and his intent,. 
And to the city of Jezreel went • 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 335 

On his arrival, Jezebel the queen, 

Thought she would boldly let herself be seen j 

That down she would not be by Jehu cast, 

But would support her grandeur to the last. 

To paint her face she was most vainly led, 

And in great splendour dress'd her lofty head : 

And as bold Jehu enter'd at the gate, 

•She from a window look'd at him, in state — 

And with an air that certainly defy'd, 

" Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?" cry'd y 

He then look'd up, and of her had a view : 

*' Who's on my side — who will (said he) be true?" 

There lookM out then some persons, two or three ; 

He gave them orders, *' Throw her down," said he. 

His word was law ; they readily obey'd, 

And threw her down — here ended her parade. 

Some of her blood, occasion'd by the fall, 

Was sprinkled on the horses, and the wall. 

This was performed almost as soon as said, 

He trod upon her then till she was dead. 

This execution done to Jehu's mind, 
He went within, and ate and drank, we find. 
Then recollected Jezebel, once grand, 
To some of his attendants gave command, 
" Go now and after this cursM woman see. 
And let her in the tomb be laid (said he) ; 
An end like this, will her connexions sting — 
She is indeed, the daughter of a king." 
When they came where they left her in the street 

They only found her skull, her hands, and feet 

The dogs, when they with hunger were distressed 
Had found her there, and eaten up the rest. 

Report of this was soon to Jehu made. 
By those who him as monarch now obey'd. 
" This is (said he) according to the word. 
That in time past was spoken by the Lord, 
By his true servant, with his spirit led. 
The great and good Elijah, when he said, 
" In JezreePs portion (in the open street) 
The dogs the flesh of Jezebel shall eat. 



336 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 



Her corpse shall be (so the decree was seaPd) 
As dung upon the surface of the field — 
No one hereafter of this queen shall tell, 
That here lies the remains of Jezebel." 

Behold, the potent, wiih their plans of woe, 
Sometimes oppress the innocent and low — 
When He who is the majesty of all, 
Takes hold in judgment, human pride must fall ! 

Thus died this queen, in horror and distress; 
Notorious for the grossest wickedness, 
And for the juigment that did her attend ; 
That brought her to this doleful wretched end. 
Her name has hateful been in ev'ry age, 
As well as hateful in the sacred page. 
Her name was us'd, as by the text appears, 
Since her decease, perhaps a thousand years : 
Obscurely to, (as is the plain intent) 
The greatest of seducers represent — 
The most intriguing, lewd idolatress. 
That did the early christian church distress."'^ 

The monarch Jehu, by his firm command, 
Destroyed Baal from the promised land : 
His zeal and close attention to the cause, 
In executing of the heavenly laws — 
The judgments on the wicked Ahab's race, 
Were such as drew upon him heav'nly grace ; 
And so with wisdom that's divine avail'd. 
The crown awhile, was on his race entail'd. 
" Since thou (to Jehu said the Holy One) 
*' In my own eyes so faithfully hast done ; 
Thy children the ascendency shall gain ; 
To the fourth offspring, shall o'er Israel reign," 
Of Jehu this by sacred writ appears, 
He reign'd o'er Israel eight and twenty years : 
And that, when this undaunted king was dead, 
Jehoahaz his son, reign'd in his stead. 

The Israelites were through his days distressed, 
And greatly by the Syrian king oppress'd. 

■ Rev. ii. 20. 



ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 33^ 

Hazael did Jehoahaz reduce, 

He left but fifty horsemen for his use ; 

And lo! of chariots he could raise but ten — 

Ten thousand footmen, who were fighting men ? 

He by the Syrians dolefully was pressM ; 

In frequent battles they destroy'd the rest. 

The seer renown'd, Elisha, it appears, 
Was living yet, though far advanc'd in years : 
He livM with painful sorrow to behold, 
The Syrian cruelty, that he foretold. 
If when he saw this, by a mental view, 
It from him tears, in flowing showers drew; 
How must he feel, when Israel's land was storra'd. 
And he beheld it wofully performed f 
This consolation did his close attend. 
That he foresaw, and told the joyful end. 
For when young Joash came to Israel's crown, 
(Son of this king who died without renown) 
To visit the good prophet he was led, 
Who then was fallen sick upon his bed. 
This was the illness that upon him lay, 
That took him from the toils of life away. 
The king came to him, with a heart sincere^ 
In depth of feeling, wept upon the seer— 
Bewail'd the loss to all who there abode. 
Of this great prophet — holy man of God: 
Who by forewarnings, when was danger great, 
And wholesome counsels to the church and state, 
And ardent pray'rs, that were availing found, 
Was as a bulwaik to the nation round. 
" Alas, alas ! my father, (he exclaim'd) 
Chariot of Israel, and the horseman fam'd !" 
By which he might, when thus with love endu'd, 
To an expression similar allude, 
Us'd long before, by this devoted seer, 
At the departure of his master dear. 

The seer reviving, he distinctly knew, 
Propitious heav'n had gracious good in view ; 
That 'twas determin'd by this very king, 
The Israelites from Syria's yoke to bring. 



338 ELIJAH AND ELISHA. 

The prophet then unto the monarch spake^ 

" Now in thy hand a bow and arrows lake.' 

The king, as he was by the prophet taught, 

A bow and arrows quickly to him brought. 

The seer was further, by the king obey'd ; 

His hand to draw upon the bow he laid ; 

The seer his hands laid on the king's, that so^ 

They both together, then might draw the bow. 

^' The window eastward, now (said he) unclose, 

And shoot toward afflicted Israel's foes." 

Which when he'd done, the prophet said, with weight, 

*' The arrow of the Lord's deliv'rance great — 

The arrow of a sweet release from those, 

Who long have been poor Israel's cruel foes ! 

For lo ! in Aphek, thou indeed shalt smite, 

The Syrians till thou hast consumed them quite.*' 

The prophet further to the monarch spake, 
" The other arrows from the quiver take, 
And smite the ground ;" the king forthwith obey'd, 
Yet smote but thrice, and then his hand he stay'd. 
The seer at this was to displeasure led, 
*' Thou shouldst have smitten (he to Joash said) 
Five or six times : thou wouldst have then annoy'd 
The Syrian host, until they were destroy'd ; 
Whereas, in future battles thou shalt fight, 
The Syrian army thou but thrice shalt smite." 

Yet by thrice smiting, he such victory's gain'd. 
The Syrians peaceful afterwards remain'd. 
For lo ! the Lord, in his compassion great, 
On Israel look'd, in their afflicted state ; 
Once more respect to this tried people paid, 
Because of his sure covenant he made, 
With Abra'm, Isaac, and with Jacob too ; 
For sake of whom, as by the text we view, 
He would not give the dire, divine command. 
Yet to exclude them from the promis'd land. 

King Joash, when Hazael was no more. 
Beat his successor in three battles sore ; 
Regain'd the cities, while he bore the sway, 
Hazael took from Israel away. 



Jonah's voyage to ninevah, 339 

Elisha the great debt of nature paid, 
And in the lonely, silent grave was laid. 
Awhile from the departure of the seer, 
Another man was to be buried, near 
The sepulchre, where he some time had lain : 
The people who attended, spy'd with pain, 
Toward them coming soldiers in a band j 
(The Moabites invaded then the land) 
Each man, on his own safety more intent, 
Than the solemnity, on which they went ; 
They cast the body in great haste and fear, 
Into the tomb of this illustrious seer. 
As soon as was the man that then was dead, 
Let down and touch'd Elisha's bones, 'tis saidj 
His spirit came to its external seat, 
Lo ! he revived and stood upon his feet ! 
This miracle, on this great seer benign, 
Stampt on his life an honour that's divine, 
And tended greatly to increase his fame — - 
Immortalize the holy piophet's name. 

JONAH'S VOYAGE TO NINEVEH. 



In days of old were prophets false and true- 
Among the latter we may Jonah view. 
The ancient Hebrews, says a noted one, 
Assert that Jonah was the widow's son, 
"Whom fam'd Elijah, in an ancient hour, 
Rais'd from the dead, by all- controlling pow'r. 

To Jonah was reveal'd the sacred word 
Of Him, who o'er the universe is lord : 
*' Arise and go to Nineveh (said he) . 
And cry against it, what I charge to thee ; 
Their sins before me now are very great," 
For which most direful judgments them await. 



340 JONAH'S VOYAGE TO NINEVEH. 

fhis was the greatest city in the land, 

The royal seat of the Assyrians grand. 

^Twas very ancient, as is understood, 

Built not long since the universal flood, 

By Nimrod, who was Noah's great grandson, 

At his command, by whom great things were done. 

Enlarged by Ninus, one of ancient fame, 

And from this monarch said to take its name. 

This city was most surely very great, 
^Twas fifty miles in circuit, authors state. 
The sacred text delivers this as true, 
That Nineveh was three days journey through : 
And populous — within its mighty bound, 
"Were more than sixscore thousand persons found, 
Who were ecIipsM in understanding bright-— 
They did not know the left hand from the right. 
Which by translators who are sound and good, 
In gen'ral is of infants understood. 

To this so great and populous a place, . 
Containing such a very wicked race, 
To go was frightful to the humble seer. 
Upon a message that he viewed severe. 
Indeed, the trial was so great an one, 
He thought he would from the Lord's presence ruft, 
He scarcely knew which way to turn or take, 
It seem'd his mental faculties to shake. 
So he to Joppa went directly down, 
A Mediterranean trading sea-port town. 
He found a vessel bound to Tarshish there. 
And went on board, when he had paid the fare, 
To go to Tarshish, thinking thus to run, 
From Him, who is the omnipresent one. 
He, in his fear, forgot he could not fly. 
Nor hide himself from the all-seeing Eye. 

This soon the prophet, to bis sorrow found, 
W hen he beheld a scene of terror round : 
For lo ! the Lord, against whom he had sinn'd, 
Displeas'd therewith, sent forth a mighty wind, 
And there was such a tempest ?n the sea, 
The ship was likely bioken soon to be. 



Jonah's voyage to nineveh. 341 

The mariners, at this were sore afraid, 
And evVy man cry'd to his god and pray'd^ 
Their labour then they actively bestow^, 
To light the ship of its unwieldy load ; 
Their lives from death, if possible, to free, 
They cast the cargo in the raging sea. 
And when the anxious sailors to that end. 
Did down the vessel's trembling side descend, 
Though almost swallow'd in the dreary deep, 
Behold ! they there found Jonah fast asleep. 

The captain rous'd him — in his wonder spake, 
" What meanest thou, O sleeper ? now awake ! 
Arise and call upon thy God, that we 
May not be swallow'd in the mighty sea." 
They got him up, and soon they all agreed, 
To cast the lot, that they might know indeed? 
Which was the person that, among them all? 
Had caus'd this evil on the crew to fall. 
So they cast lots, and wonderful to tell. 
The lot upon the prophet Jonah fell ! 
They then address'd him, " Pray to us relate 
What is the cause of all this evil great ? 
Thine occupation we should wish to know. 
Whence comest thou, and whither wouldst thou go ? 
Thy native country now to us declare. 
And tell us truly who thy people are.'' 

So he the truth unfolded to their view : 
*' I am (says he) a Hebrew, or a Jew ; 
I fear the Lord (who can all pow'rs command,) 
The God of heav'n who made the sea and land." 
To tell them plainly he was further led. 
How from the presence of the Lord he fled. 
All this before them he with candour laid — 
The men were then exceedingly afraid : 
" Why hast thou thus (said they to Jonah) done ? 
Why didst thou from thy master's presence run ? 
Tell us what we shall now inflict on thee. 
That there may be a calm upon the sea.^*' 
For lo ! the rolling billows, in their view, 
Still more tempestuous and alarming grew. 

30 



342 JONAH^S VOYAGE TO NINEVEH. 

In answer to tbem, " Take me up (said he) 
And cast me forthwith in the briny sea; 
When I am swallow d by the raging main, 
There sure shall be a pleasing calm again: 
For well 1 know, that this is very true. 
For my own sake, this tempest is on you." 

Poor Jonah's frank confession of his state, 
Impressed the sailors with compassion great : 
Though by his means was their affliction sore, 
They were extremely loath to throw him o'er. 
And hard they rowM to save the ship and crew; 
Which, when at length they found they could not do- 
That all their great exertions were but nought, 
The mighty tempest so against them wrought, 
Unto the Lord they rais'd their anxious cry — 
To the true God who is the sov'reign high — 
The God who both the sea and land had made- 
He whom poor Jonah thus had disobey'd. 
^' O Lord ! to thee our humble pray'r we make, 
Let us not perish for this person's sake. 
We now beseech, to thee, O Lord ! we pray, 
No blood on us that's innocent to lay, . 
If now to save us from destruction, we 
Are forc'd to cast thy servant in the sea; 
For thou, O Lord ! omnipotent and wise. 
Hast done as was most pleasing in thine eyes.*' 

When they had spoken to the King that's great, 
That they might his displeasure deprecate ; 
For doing this, against their own accord, 
Unto an erring servant of the Loid, 
They took up Jonah (them from death to free) 
With deep reluctance cast him in the sea. 
Then ceasM the raging tempest of the main — 
The sea was calm, and they had joy again. 
The sense of their deliv'rance was so great. 
Wrought by the Pow'r that did the world create, 
They felt like men from fix'd destruction freed, 
They fear'd the Lord exceedingly indeed : 
To the Great Being, awful in their eyes, 
They then made vows, and offer'd sacrifice. 



JONAH'S VOYAGE TO NINEVEH. 343 

Although it pleas'd Him, who the billows stay'd, 
To punish Jonah, who had disobey'd ; 
Yet in his judgments; in the scene of need, 
Lo ! he remembered mercy great indeed : 
Which did not to afflicted Jonah fail — 
He sent a fish, our Saviour calls a whale,* 
Which then was swimming by the vessel near, 
And at that moment swallow'd up the seer ! 
There Jonah lay, remote from all delights, 
Within the iish, ihree doleful days and nights ; 
A type of Him who came the world to save, 
Who, the like time, was in the lonely grave. 
While Jonah lay within the pit profound, 
This living prison, moving dungeon bound, 
He pray'd to God, with a most ardent wish, 
Out of the gloomy belly of the fish. 
What he then pray'd, in living humble cries, 
And his soul's deep and ardent exercise. 
To Him whose pow'r alone could give him ease, 
The seer recounted in some words like these : 
" I to the Lord, in my affliction cried, 
And lo ! he heard me, and with grace supplied. 
1 pray'd out of the belly of the grave — 
Thou heard'st my voice, who hast the pow'r to save; 
Lo ! thou hast cast poor disobedient me 
Into the deep, amidst the mighty sea ! 
The awful floods encorapass'd my poor soul ; 
Thou caus'd thy billows over me to roll. 
In my affliction — long and doleful night, 
I said alas ! Tm driven from thy sight : 
Yet I will surely, from the depth of pain. 
Toward thy holy temple look again. 

Lo ! I was in the mighty waters bound. 
E'en to the soul they compass'd me around. 
The depth enclosed, when from thy presence fled j 
Behold the weeds were wrapt abput my head. 
Down to the bottom of the mountains high, 
I went and lo i to God I rais'd my cry. 

• Matt. xii. 40. 



344- jONAH^S VOYAGE TO NINEVEH. 

The pond'rous earth, with all her bars were o'er^ 
Seem'd to surround my soul for evermore. 
Yet thou, O Lord I my God to whom I sought^. 
My life up from corruption's valley brought. 
When I was faint, my soul indeed undone, 
Lo ! I remember'd thee, the Mighty One j 
The God of pow'r and of eternal fame — 
My pray'r within thy holy temple came. 

Those who seek joy, in vanity and lies, 
Forsake thy love, and mercy they despise. 
But I will sacrifice to thee alone, 
Who reigns upon thy everlasting throne — 
And with thanksgiving, from a heart that's free, 
I'll pay the vows that I have made to thee. 
Let all the people of the earth accord; 
Salvation only is of thee, O Lord." 

When Jonah thus had undergone his doom,^ 
Of three days bondage, in the dreary tomb, 
Behold ! the fish received the high command, 
To vomit Jonah out upon the land 
So Jonah was discharged upon the shore — 
By heaven set at liberty once more. 

Freed from confinement, and his night of pain, 
The Lord's pure wovd to Jonah came again ; 
Said, " Rise and go (thou must no longer wait) 
To Nineveh the ancient and the great. 
Declare my message to the people free. 
And preach to them, what I dictate to thee." 

For disobedience be had sufFer'd sore, 
So he oppos'd the sacred voice no more. 
But went apace, the way that he was sent. 
Forthwith to ancient Nineveh he went. 
When he had enter'd this great city fam'd, 
Near one day's journey he to them proclaimed, 
" Yet forty days poor Nineveh shall groan. 
For her great wickedness be overthrown." 

In this short sentence clearly we behold, 
The substance of the judgment he foretold; 
Yet to conclude 'tis not at all absurd, 
That he preach'd more than this alarming word? 



Jonah's voyage to nineveh. 345 

Both for conviction ofthe people there. 

In laying of tdeir greaf transgressions bare, 

To manifest to every NInevite, 

That the dire judgment he denounc'd was right; 

And exhortation that they might repent, 

And so escape the judgment to be sent. 

.The Ninevites, however, him receiv'd — 
That his dread message was from God believ'd ; 
And they proclaim^ that there a fast should be, 
And put on sackcloth, by the king's decree — 
Gave tokens of repentance and distress — 
Humiliation for their wickedness. 
The Lord, in mercy did their pray'rs receive, 
And from the sentence granted a reprieve. 

A trial new this brought upon the seer, 
And trouble that divested him of cheer ; 
Who hereupon, discover'd (as we find) 
Another great, infirmity of mind- 
To Nineveh he ruin had proclaimed, 
And the set time for her destruction nam'd ; 
Tbis on his spirits very deeply wrought ; 
God's clemency in sparing them he thought. 
Would sure subject him to the censure here, 
Of having been a quite erroneous seer : 
And he upon his reputation stood, 
Firm as a prophet that was true and good. 
He thought that this, in fact, would be impaired. 
If, after all, great Nineveh was spar'd. 
And, for all these reasons, he was sorely try'4, 
Was much displeasM, and deeply mortified ; 
Like one indeed, who felt himself oppressed, 
He thus the Power that's infinite address'd : 
" Was not this my true saying of thy grace, 
O Lord ! when I was in my native place ? 
Therefore it was that I astray was led, 
And from thy presence unto Tarshish fled : 
For well I know thou art a gracious God, 
And merciful and slow to use the rod. 
Thou wilt from those who have transgressed thy law; 
By true repentance, thy dread hand withdraw. 

30* 



346 jonah's voyage to nineveh. 

Therefore, O Lord ! I thee beseech this day, 
That thou vvouldst take my wretched life away. 
Be pleas'd this once to grant me my request, 
I'd better die than thus to live distress'd." 

The Lord for this reprov'd him gently quitej 
Ask'd him, " U he did, to be angry, right ?" 
Forthwith the prophet from the city went, 
lie had let in a murm'ring discontent. 
A booth upon the eastern side he made, 
Try'd for himself to find a cooling shade. 
And there he lonely sat to see the fate 
Of Nineveh the ancient and the great. 
His discontent had made him partly blind — 
He now was so unsettled in his mind, 
That he could not at all distinctly know, 
If God would spare, or Nineveh overthrow. 
The Lord resolv'd who saw the prophet's pain, ' 
To give to Jonah a conviction plain, 
That he to self was partially inclin'd — 
To Nineveh lack'd pity in his mind, 
Prepar'd a gourd, that lively grew and spread. 
And made a shadow o'er the prophet's head. 
That he might be delivered from his grief; 
Might gain, from the sun's scorching beams, relief. 

What this gourd was, that over Jonah grew. 
Most probably none can inform us true : 
It has afforded matter of debate, 
To many persons of an ancient date. 
'Tis said some take it for a desert vine — 
A wild cucumber, some to this incline. 
Suppos'd to be a pumpkin by a ^e\v, 
Or a palmetto over Jonah grew. n 

Whate'er of it might be the proper name^ ^ 

A leafy plant o'er Jonah doubtless came, 
Of which he was, in his affliction, glad ; 
Yet joy was transient, he again w^as sad : 
Although the Lord still for the prophet car'd, 
Yet he next day, by morning light prepar'd 
A worm that gnaw'd the prophet's favourite^ 
And soon was wither'd yesterday's delight* 



ESTHER. 347 

When the sun rose, and made the heat prevail, 
The Lord prepar'd, and sent an eastern gale, 
Which with the sun's most penetrating heat, 
So fiercely on the head of Jonah beat. 
He fainting, seem'd to his departure nigh, 
And wish'd not only in himself to die. 
But said in his anxiety again, ^ 

*' Death is far better than a life of pain." 
The Lord then mildly ask'd the seer to tell. 
If to be angry thus was doing well? 
He, in displeasure, made this short reply, 
To Him who rules in majesty on high : 
" Yes I do well, this day, to angry be, 
Altho' it might be unto death to me." 

Then came the force, strong reasoning would affbrdj 
" Thou (said the Lord) hadst pity on the gourd. 
For which thou hast not (as thou well dost know) 
Laboured at all, norcould'st thou make it grow — 
Which plant came up, o'erspread thee in a night, 
Yet perish'd soon, and vanish'd from thy sight. 
Should I not spare, in mercy that is free, 
The great repenting city Nineveh, 
Where more than sixscore thousand persons dwell^^ 
Who can't the right hand from the other tell .^" 

Thus far I have attended on the seer: 
The book of Jonah ends abruptly here ; 
And nothing there, is further of him found, 
Nor of the city Nineveh renown'd. 



■a i»iei^^iei«i o 
HISTORY OF ESTHER, QUEEN OF PERSIA^ 



Ahasuerus, Persian king, well known, 
In his third year upon the royal throne, 
A splendid feast for all his princes made, 
And ruling servants, with a great parade. 



348 ESTHER. 

The povvV of Persia and of Media great, 
The governors and nobles of each state. 
He had to such a pitch of pow'r attain'd, 
O'er provinces sixscore and sev'n he reign'^d — 
To show his wealth, and his great honour raise, 
This noble feast continued ninescore days, 
W^hen this was clos'd he gave another call, 
He made a feast for people great and small; 
Peculiarly the royal bounty flow'd, 
To Shushan city, all who there abode. 
This latter feast wa?; by the king's decree, 
Most nobly kept sev'n days successfully ; 
The garden court was by the people throng'd, 
That to the royal palace then belong' d. 
The entertainment was, with great delight, 
Beneath pavillions green, and blue, and white j 
These were secur'd, in an extensive line. 
With cords of purple and of linen fine, 
In richest mode, to shining silver rings. 
In marble pillars, rich enough for kings. 
The tables also, in the grandest plight. 
Were made of gold, and silver polish'd bright, 
On marble pavements that were rich and fine, 
Of red, and blue, and white, and black to shine. 

Here they had win eabundantly bestow'd. 
From the king's cellars, like a stream, it flow'd. 
The wine was round in golden vessels brought. 
Each diff'ring from the other they were wrought/ 
All to display (which was with cost immense) 
This mighty monarch's great magnificence. 

Tho' they did wine in such abundance draw, 
The drinking was according to the law ; 
Which made a rule that no one, great or small, 
Should be compelled, or press'd to drink at all ; 
The king had given his command at large — 
To the presiding officers a charge. 
That ev'ry person, in the flow of wine. 
Should drink as his own pleasure should incline. 

The queen likewise, they Va<^hti call'd by name, 
To show her grandeur; and increase her fame, 



ESTHER. 349 

PreparM a banquet, for the Shushan fair, 

Just like the monarch's entertainn)ent there ; 

Her guests well filPd (where they might feast and sing) 

Ihe royal house belonging to the king. 

On the last day, the seventh of the treat, 
He who adorn'd the grand imperial seat, 
"Was somewhat merry in his heart with wine, 
That flow'd so freely from the Persian vine, 
Sent forth his seven chamberlains, to bring 
Queen Vashti in the presence of the king; 
Adorn'd with the crown royal on her head, 
That he might show her, he was proudly led, 
To all the princes and the people there ; 
She was, indeed, a beauty very rare. 

But whether she conceived the project rude, 
To be by such a vast assembly view'd ; 
Or whether, in the joy of feasting, she 
Had tasted the delicious wine tt»o free ; 
The cause we cannot clearly understand, 
But she refus'd to come at his command. 
This high offence, and in such public vieWj 
The* monarch in so great a passion threw, 
That he, in his resentment deep and great, 
Consulted his prime counsellors of state, 
What ought to be inflicted on the queen. 
For her austere refusal to be seen ? 

Memucan highly her misconduct blam'd, 
The last of his sevn princes, as they're namM. 
A married person, as we may suppose, 
To speak his mind, first from his seat arose : 
Said he discernd, with reason clear and strong, 
She had not to the king alone done wrong ; 
But to the princes ruling at the helm, 
And all the people in the monarch's realm. 
When this queen's deed shall thro' the land be known ' 
Done to the king who sits upon the throne- 
That she who is with royal robes array'd. 
The orders of the monarch disobey'd ; 
The females will by her example rise 
Against their husbands, and will them despise : 



350 ESTHER. 

The ladles through thy realm, of great extent, 
"Will to the princes urge this precedent ; 
And that will give occasion in their pride. 
For scorn to rise, upon the women's side, 
And wrath will on the other part be seen, 
All by the rude example of the queen. 

" If therefore it may please the king (said he) 
Let there go forth a royal firm decree, 
And let it be (for Vashti's conduct cold) 
With laws of Persians, and the Medes enrolled, 
Unchangeably will that confirm the thing, 
That Vashti come no more before the king: 
So let the monarch hold his high renown, 
And to one better give the royal crown. 
When this decree that's issu'd from the throne, 
Shall be throughout thy mighty empire known, 
Q he peaceful wives thereof will take a view, 
And give their husbands honour that is due." 

This counsel of Memucan, was, we find, 
Well pleasing to the kisg's disordered mind ; 
His princes also lent a leady ear. 
They all consented to the scheme with cheer : • 
Without delay were letters writ and sent, 
Throughout the monarch's provinces they went^ 
That ev'ry man rule o'er his house should bear, 
Uninterrupted by the sex that's fair : 
That this should be so published from the throne, 
Throughout the realm, in ev'ry language known. 
Thus, tho' the queen would not the king obey, 
The men obtained a victory that day. 

But when the monarch had repos'd one night, 
His anger cool'd, his recollection bright. 
Re mus'd, with pain, on what the queen had done. 
And the decree that had against her run : 
This soon was know n, and by the princes view'd ; 
They might, with greatest certainty conclude, 
That should the king restore her to her state, 
Upon them she revenge would meditate : 
Here to divert, and the king's mind restrain, 
FfQin fondly running after her again^ 



ESTHER. 351 

Secure their interest and the king's esteem, 

Tijeysoon coiitriv'd this aniojating scheme, 

Which he should through his mighty reahii diffuse : 

In ev>y province he should agents choose ; 

1 hese were to pay a true attentive care, 

And take up all t!ie virgins young and fair ; 

1 hat they should forthwith them convey or bring 

To Shushan, to the palace of the king : 

That they should in a house prepared remain, 

Attended by a trusty chamberiain ; 

That each should there completely be supplied, 

With all things needful, and be purified; 

The monarch then, among the virg;ins fair. 

Might choose a queen, the royal crown to wear, 

A scheme so well adapted to his mind, 
Acceptance with him could not fail to find, 

'Twas executed, as the princes taught, 

And many a fair one was to Shushan brought. 
With those who now were in this service press'd 

Was one young virgin, fairer than the rest, 

Call'd Kslher then, also Hadassah nam'd ; 

In other bo^^ks, she's by Atossa fam'd. 

They calPd her father Abihail ; we view 

Hitn uncle of one Mordecai, a Jew, 

(Whom Bab'lon's monarch, in his movements grand^ 

Brought as a captive, from the Hebrews' landj : 

Who liv'd in Shushan, near the seat of state. 

The royal city of the empire great. 

Her parents pass'd from all terrestrial strife. 

Paid nature's debt, quite in her early life ; 

She to her cousin Mordecai was dear; 

He like a father, with a heart sincere. 

Adopted her a daughter of his own, 

And brought her up, accomplish'd for the throne, 
So Esther was among the fair one caught, 

With splendour to the royal palace brought, 

Where well attended she awhile remain d ; 

She pleasM the keeper, his attention gain'd ; 

This officer, in honour that was great. 

Chose seven maids, upon her there to wait ; 



252 ESTHER. 

Preferr'd her to the lodgings grand indeed ; 
For purification gave her tnmgs with speed, 
That she might fairly (as the princes plann'd) 
Among the first before the monarch stand. 
For this was then the emperor's decree, 
That each of these should with attention be, 
Twelve months continued in the maids abode. 
To purify them with the things bestowed ; 
And when they had been thus prepared, to bring 
Them in when call d to come before the king. 
01 these twelve months, when they were purified, 
They six of them the oil myrrh applied, 
The other six were occupiM complete, 
In purifying with the odours sweet; 
And after this preparative so grand, 
They took their turns before the king to stand, 
"Wf 11 furnished by the chamberlain, with care, 
Who had the charge of these young damsels fair. 
With ev'f y thing that was their heart's desire, 
The ornaments of Shushan's rich attire ; 
That each one who approach'd the royal seat, 
Might for a husband be adorn'd complete : 
No one who'd been once in his presence, came 
Again, unless he sent for her by name. 

Young Esther had not yet her kindred shown, 
Nor to what people she belonged made known ; 
ForMordecai, she view'd with honour deep. 
Had charg'd her she should this a secret keep. 
But he took care to make it in his way, 
To walk before the women's court each day, 
Her state of health for him to understand. 
And knowledge gain where she was like to land. 

At length (time passing as upon the wing) 
Came Esther's turn to go before the king. 
Whereas each other fair ambitious maid, 
Herself with richest ornaments array'd, 
In highest mode, as quite a likely thing, 
To gain the true acceptance of the king. 
As each one knew a crown would be the prize, 
To her who should be pleasing in his eyes. 



ESTHER. S58 

But Esther, that she might be much admir'd, 
No decorations for the day rtquir'd ; 
She not desiring, in that humble hour, 
By costly robes to be advanc'd to powV ; 
Yel, as her native beauty was so great — 
Deportment courteous, as a nat'ral trait, 
She gain'd the favour — admiration too, 
Of evVy one who liad of her a view. 

The king was lakon with this damsel fair, 
He lov'd her more than all the others there ; 
She fo.und such gracious favour in his sight, 
She was his choice, and he, with great delight. 
Instead of Vashti, rais'd her to renown — 
Upon her head he set the rc^yal crown. 

The king, upon the day of nuptials, made 
A joyful banquet, with a great parade. 
For rulers, from the greatest to the least, 
Princes and servants, calFd it Esther's feast ;— 
Gave large donations, as a noble thing, 
According to his dignity as king. 
And for that time, he was so highly pleas'd, 
The provinces he of their tribute eas'd. 

Her guardian kinsman had no higher state, 
Than that he sat within the royal gate ; 
Which mode of speech implies, as some suppose, 
That he to office had at court arose ; 
Though it perhaps, might be but low or small, 
A porter or an usher in the hall. 

He'dchargd the queen, that she must not declare, 
Who her own kindred, or her people w*e; 
And she, obedient to her guardian's will, 
Had kept it secret, in her bosom still. 
That he was not, this circumstance implies, 
Ambitious at the Persian court to rise. 

As this adage has long been understood, 
" 'Tis an ill wind that blows no person good," 
•A case occurr'd, which the historian wrote, 
That brought the worthy Mordecai to note : 
While at the gate, he came to understand 
A plot that two atrocious men had plann'd^ 

31 



354 ESTHER. 

Bigthan and Teresh, officers who bore 

The trust of guarding the king^s chamber door f 

Perfidiously they had eontriv d the thing — 

Conspir'd to rise — assassinate the king. 

Their viliany by Mordecai was seen, 

And he, with speed, divulg'd it to the queen : 

When she acquainted with the plot became, 

She told the king in Mordecai's own name. 

The men were taken for the crime and bound, 

Were brought to triaK and were guilty found ; 

And then, consistent with ti>e court's decree, 

Were executed — hang'd upon a tree. 

But Mordecai, who merited renown, 

Was not erelong rewarded by the crown. 

About this time, the king, with deep deh'ght, 
Was much allur'd by a new favourite. 
Whom he advancM to a sublime degree, 
And set in pow'r o'er the nobility — 
A man nam'd Haman, Ammedatha's son. 
The Agagite, was thus to honour run. 
Supposed by authors, a descendant known, 
From Agag, once a king on Am'lek's throne, 
Oppos'd to this, some commentators state, 
(As deeply vers'd in themes of ancient date) 
That Agag was no man's or family's name, 
But royal title of their kings of fame. 

When Haman thus was dignifi'd in state, 
All those who were attendants at the gate, 
Bow'd down to him, and reverenced him there, 
This honour gfk^e him, with the greatest care^ 
Which to omit they were indeed afraid. 
Because it was a law the monarch made : 
Reverse alone the humble Jew was led. 
To honour Hanian did not bow his head ; 
Which was withheld, no doubt, because he knew 
This honour to the Lord alone was due. 

Though Mordecai to Haman never bow'd. 
He was by him unnotic'd in the crowd ; 
The servants there who took a great delight 
To fawn upon the monart h's favourite^ 



ESTHER. 355 

Told Moidecai they wish'd to understand, 

Why he transgressed the king's express command ? 

When they had urg'd him thus from day to day, 

And found that he would no attention pay, 

They thought they could no lono:;er with him bear, 

Would see how he migfit on a trial fare : 

So they informed prince Haman what they knew, 

How he was treated by a stubborn Jew. 

When haughty Haman, proud of false renown^ 
Found Mordecai would not to him bow down, 
His wrath was kindled to a burnins; flame. — 
He studied vengeance, with a boundless aim. 
And viewing one, who stood to fame unknown, 
Too mean a victim to be crushed alone, 
He scorn'd on him his mighty hands to lay, — 
Resolv'd to seize a more prodigious prey : 
That he would, with this adversary's fate. 
Destroy the Hebrews, through the kingdom great. 

As this was by elated Haman view'd, 
An enterprise of greatest magnitude, 
His partisans, who understood the theme, 
And freely join'd him in the wicked scheme, 
Cast lots before him (thus were vainly led) 
Each day, from first month to the twelfth, 'tis saids 
To know the lime, most likely in their eyes, 
To be successful in the entei prise. 

The day was then, united on a^ best, 
And lofty Haman thus the king address'd : 
*'There is a people widely scaller'd round, 
In ev ry province of thy kingdom found, 
With rules oppos'd to regions far and near, 
They will not one of the king's laws revere." 

Thus Haman, since one person, in the land, 
Had not observed that singular command, 
For bowing down, in reverence, his head, 
Fallaciously was in his malice led, 
His charge against the Hebrew race to lay, 
That they would not the monarch's laws obey, 
" Their can't (said he) unto th€ king be gain, 
To let this people in thy realm remain ; 



35© ESTHER* 

With this fair view, if it may please the kingf 
Let there be sent, on this important thing, 
A proclamation from the king's own hand, 
That they may be destroy'd from the land; 
And I will, sure as thou hast royal sway, 
Ten thousand talents of bright silver pay* 
To those who oversee the work, to bring 
The silver in the treas'ries of the king. 

The monarch, blinded by a parasite, 
Not thinking that his royal great delight, 
Was one of tbose declar'd to disobey, 
And whom his new presiding prince would slay, 
Took from his hand, and gave to him the ring ; 
As once was done by the Egyptian king. 
This was a token of the fullest power. 
To act as he should see it good that hour : 
And added> he did not the talents crave, 
The money he with greatest freedom gave ; 
And to a people, who were so untrue, 
To act consistent with this noble view. 

Since Haman now had gain'd his wicked suitj 
He was not slow the same to execute. 
Forthwith to put the edict on the wing, 
He call'd the secretaries of the king : 
By Haman's order they the letters wrote 
To rulers nigh, and those who were remote j: 
To all the gov'nors sitting at the helm, 
In ev'ry language known within the realm ; 
The orders were, in a majestic strain, 
The J^ews njust be throughout the kingdom slain. 
The law was made fur all to perish then. 
The children with the women and the men. 

The letters for the Jews most woful fate. 
The thirteenth day of first month had their date— 
The thirteenth day of twelfth month was the one, 
Appointed for the crimson stream to run. 
Tu animate their enemies that day, 
Ttie spoil was given for a noble prey. 

* In (juantity about 418 tons. 



ESTHER. S57 

AH this was written in the monarch's name, . 
Seal'd with his seal, a fii m detife herame ; 
Was sent to ev'ry province in the la^^d. 
The posts were hasten'd by the kinir's rominand^ 
Which done, the king an(i his allmif»g mate, 
Sat down to drink, as in a merry state. 
But Shushan, where they issued this decree, 
Was, on the theme, in great perplexity. 

That nonf* was more afTected there, is true, 
Than Mordecai, the deeply feeling Jew : 
W ho when he came to understand the thing, 
That had been done, by Haman and il)e king, 
For grief extreme, in twain Iiis garment rent-^ 
In sackcloth clad, o'erspr^ad with ashes went, - 
In mourning sore, into the city nigh, 
And cried aloud, with a most bitter cry. 
Since no one cloth'd in sackcloth's mournful state. 
Could find admittance in the monarch's gate, 
He came and stood before the gale or near, 
To let his dire solicitude appear. 
In ev'ry province where this edict came, 
The sorrow and the mourning was the same ; 
It was a fasting and a weeping day — 
The Jews in sackcloth and in ashes lay. 

That Mordecai was cloth'd, in sackcloth seen, 
Was told unto the servants of the queen; 
And they forthwith informed the queen his state, 
At which her sorrow was exceeding great ; 
Although as yet she had not heard the cause. 
Not having knowledge of the recent laws. 
To find her guardian, in the scene of need, 
Was clad in sackcloth, gave her grief indeed. 
She sent him raiment, (wish'd him not to grieve) 
Which lie would not by any means receive. 
She call'd for Hatach, v»'hom the king of late. 
Appointed on his royal bride to wait ; 
Commanded him to Mordecai to go, 
That she the source of his distress might know. 
With this command, the trusty chamberlain, 
Went out to seek the man of grief and pain ; 

31* 



35B ESTHER. 

He found him in his deeply mournful state. 
In that fair street before the monarch's gate- 
Told him he came immediate from the queen,, 
To know why he was thus in mourning seen. 
Then Mordecai inform'd him all that pass'd, 
Of this dire statute, from the first to last : 
That Haman made a promise to the king, 
Into his hand a massy sum to bring, 
To have the Jews, where he in splendour reign'd, 
xVil put to death ; and his request obtain'd. 
He sent a copy of the law, of late, 
At Shu^han issu'd for the direful fate : 
That he might this unto queen Esther show, 
And the alarming danger let her know; 
And charge her in this instance to obey, 
To go before the king without delay ; 
Make supplication — of the monarch crave, 
That he from slaughter would her people save; 
For it was time the secret to unfold. 
To let what people, she was of, be told. 

The worthy queen receiv'd the tidings sore, 
The cause of sorrow a51 the kingdom o'er. 
When she awhile had view'd the theme with pain^ 
She sent him back to Mordecai again, 
*' Requesting him to take this rule in view. 
That all the people of the kingdom knew. 
That whosoever should presume the thing, 
Come in the inner court, unto the king, 
Though man or woman, whether great or small, 
Or young or old, without a regal call. 
Was, by the law, to die for the offence, 
'Twasview'd a matter of such consequence; 
Excepting those to whom compassion roTl'd — 
To whom he would his golden sceptre hold. 
That it was not with her a time of cheer. 
For she was in discouragement and fear; 
She'd had no call, that might her spirits raise, 
To come into the king for thirty days." 
So much we find the emperor's delight 
Was taken up with his false favourite* 



ESTHER. 



35-9 



When Mordecal heard what she thus had said, 
To give her this plain answer he was led : 
" Think not ifthou shalt my request refuse, 
To better fare than all the other Jews : 
U thou art silent, when affliction cries, 
There shall enlargement, and deliv'rance rise 
Some other way, but thou shalt be annoy'd, 
Thou and thy father's family destroyed. 
Consider well — perform thy work of weight, 
And give me leave this sentiment to state ; 
Thou, probably, art risen to the throne, 
For such a time, and scene as this alone." 

This message rous'd her, so that she was fain. 
To send to humble Mordecai again : 
She wish'd him to assemble all the Jews 
That were in Shushan, this command diffuse ; 
For all to keep for her a solemn fast — 
Nor eat nor drink — three days and nights to last : 
That she would fast, her maidens should likewise ; 
And after that, she surely would arise, 
And as he clearly most consistent saw, 
Go in unto the king, against the law. 
And crave of him to alter his decree, 
And if she perish'd, so it then must be. 

When this important, solemn fast was o'er, 
Queen Esther true to what she said before, 
An undertaking by her deeply weighed. 
Herself adorn'd — in royal robes anay'd, 
And went into the inner court, that shone, 
Of the king's house, before the royal throne, 
"Where he was silting — there she made a stand; 
In silent dread, before the monarch grand. 

He who to pass can mighty wonders bring, 
Dispos'd the heart, and feelings of the king j 
On seeing her, his consort and delight. 
That she obtainM great favour in his sight. 
To her relief, the pen can scarce declare, 
He held to her bis golden sceptre there. 
On this, the queen unto the king drew near, 
And touvh'd the sceptre with a bumble cheer. 



S60 ESTHER. 

The king then ask'd her, with an air serene, 
" What's thy rt^quest, O Esther, who art queen? 
For what I say would'st thou petition me ? 
To half the realm, it shall be granted thee " 

"Ifit be now (said she) the monarch's choice, 
To pay attention to his consort's voice, 
Let th'king and Haman come, I humbJy pray, 
Unto the banquet I've prepar'd this day." 

So he and Haman, splendidly array'd. 
Came to the banquet that the queen had made. 
The monarch now to know her wish was fain, 
And at the banquet said to her again : 
*' What's thy request? unfold it now to me 5 
Yes, thy petition shall be granted thee — 
Thy utmost wishes thou shalt have in state, 
Though comprehending half the kingdom great." 

The queen had this 2;ood policy in view, 
To gently draw the king's affection true — 
Obtain his grace, and his good will entire, 
Before unfolding of her heart's desire : 
To wish another interview was led — 
She to him in a humble manner said ; 
** If I, indeed, this day have favour, found, 
With him who is o'er this great kingdom crown'd ; 
And ifit be well pleasing to the king, 
To grant me my petition in this thing. 
Then let the king and Haman with me share, 
Attend the banquet which I shall prepare 
For them to-morrow — then will 1 make free, 
And my petition will prefer to thee." 
The emperor to this request agreed, 
And Haman blinded with delight indeed, 
Kxulted in his vanity and pride : 
But on returning he was mortified — 
He happ^n'd at the royal gate to view, 
His old tormentor, Mordecai, the Jew : 
Although prince Haman felt so big and tall, 
He stood not up nor bov.M to him at all. 
His haughty stomach spelling at the sight, 
His indignation rose to boundless spite — 



fiSTHER. 

He kept it in bis burning breast confin'd, 
'Till he reach'd home, and then divulg'd his mind. 
He caird his friends that were within his reach, 
To them and his wife Zeresh made a speech. 

His pride at first began to celebrate 
And amplify upon his riches great — 
His children grown to be a multitude, 
(A race of nobles, doubtless by him view'd) 
He then recounted each illuslriuus thing, 
Wherein he was promoted by the king: 
How he advanced him. in his seat of state, 
O'er all the princes, and the rulers great: 
And that the queen, in royal grand array, 
No man admitted with the king that day, 
Unto the banquet, where was grandeur shown, 
That she prepared, except himself alone : 
To-morrow too, he was engag"d to share 
At a new banquet with the royal pair. 
Yet all this glt)ry sinks, (said he) in view, 
So long as I see Mordecai the Jew, 
At the king's gate, who, with a sullen brow, 
Will not arise, nor at my presence bow. 

When Haman of his speech had made an end, 
His wife concurr'd, and also every friend, 
With him in their resentment of the wrong. 
Done by the bold, insulting Jew so long; 
*'Now let a gallows (was their haughty cry) 
Be made for him, of fifty cubits high, 
And on the morrow, speak thou to the king. 
To give direction instantly to bring 
Forth Mordecai, who would his prince degrade, 
And hang him on the gallows for him made : 
Then witli the k ng and royal consort meet, 
AncJ at the banquet take thy merry seat. 
This project so on Haman's humour play'd, 
Forthwitj! he causM the gallows to he made. 

But (tdcI so order'd (He who ruFes the deep) 
That on that night, the monarch could not sleep : 
Wherefore to spend the slowly passing night, 
And to divert hiui till the morning light, 



361 



36Si ESTHER. 

He calPd his men, tbe chronicles to bring ; 
Which book was read, before the wakeful king : 
One theme was here reviv'd before his view, 
'Twas written there, that Mordecai the Jew, 
Divulg'd the treason of two men before, 
That had the guard of the king's chamber door, 
Who did in depth of ignominy swing, 
For plotting to assassinate the king. 

They then were question'd by their royal lord, 
"What dignity, or honour, or reward, 
Had e'er been done to Mordecai the Jew, 
For being faithful — to his king so true ?" 
His servants there united all as one, 
And told the king, there had been nothing done. 

The monarch's mind was readily agreed 
To recompense the noble act, with speed; 
To give an order for the same desir d, 
*' Who's in the court ?" he of his men inquired. 
Proud Haman, liktly had not slept that night, 
For he arriv'd perhaps by morning light, 
To ask permission of the potent king. 
That by the neck he Mordecai might swing. 
That Haman in the court was standing then, 
Was told the monarch, by his waiting men : 
As soon as he of this was notified, 
"Let him come in," the emperor replied. 

In Haman came, elated with the view 
Of having his delight upon the Jew, 
Ere he had time to tell the theme desir'd. 
The king of him most pleasantly inquired, 
"What shall be done, that's noble in thy sights 
Tohiin the king would honour with delight.'"' 

The highblown Haman, in his vanity. 
Thought he himself the only man must be, 
His royal friend would have the smallest view 
Pf dignifying with some honour new. 
Smce he could set the terms without offence, 
He thought to have it with magnificence — 
That like a monarch he would ride in state, 
Return'd this answer, with a heart elate : 



ESTHER. 363 

^^ For him to whom the king should view it right, 

To truly honour, with a great delight, 

Give orders that the royal robes be brought, 

That richly to array the king were wrought ; 

The royal crown with whicti he's dignified — 

The horse that's chosen lor the king to ride ; 

Let these be plac d with one in honour grand— 

A noble prmce, that governs in the land ; 

Let him therewith the personage an ay, 

To whom the king would highest honours pay. 

And bring him m lun ed through the street with fame ; 

B^^lore him let the officer proclaim, 

Thus shall be done, in honour that is high^ 

To him the king delights to dignify.'' 

No sooner said he what the king should do, 
But quite reverse from his ambitious view, 
The monarch to the haughty Haman spake : 
" Make haste, the horse and the apparel take- 
Perform all this, consistent with thy view. 
Without delay, to Mordecai the Jew, 
Who siiteth at the royal palace gate. 
Let nothing fail of all thou didst relate." 

This was to Haman, as a thunder stroke, 
Against a tow'ring, widely spreading oak — 
Was, to his glory, like a fatal wound, 
But there could not a remedy be found ; 
The word of him who bore the royal sway, 
Was a decree, and Haman must obey. 

So he attention to the order paid, 
And Mordecai in royal robes array'd — 
Upon his head he set the golden crown, 
Resembling one who rul'd with great renown-r- 
He mounted him upon the monarch's steed, 
Above the grand nobility indeed, 
And brought him through the city with parade. 
Before him loudly proclamation made, 
*' Thus shall be done in honour that is hio-h, 
To him the king delights to dignify." * 

This did not humble Mordecai elate, 
He soon return'd unto the monarch's gate : 



364 ESTHER. 

But Haman hasted to bis house, once more, 
His heaJ was coveiM, in his mourning sore ; 
He to his wife, and intiiiiales unveil'd. 
The trying scene — how sa(ily he had fail'd. 
At this relation they weie struck with dread. 
And to him, in their depth of sorrow, said : 
*' \.{ Mordecai be of the Jewish seed, 
Before whom thou hast thus been foii'd indeed, 
Then thou, alas ! shalt not prevail at all. 
But shalt before him from thy station fall." 

More might they then have said about the thing, 
Had he not had a message from the king ; 
For while they thus were talking there, with pain, 
Arriv'd to him the monarch's chamberlain, 
To hasten him unto the honour shar'd, 
To the rich banquet that the queen prepared ; 
To which we may undoubtedly suppose, 
To go he with a heavy heari arose. 
On going forth, his mental grief he try'd, 
JJucb with the fairest countenance to hide. 

The king and Haman to the banquet came ; 
The monarch's words were to his spouse the sami 
*' What's thy petition — thy request of me ^. 
Most certainly, it shall be granted thee : 
Thy utmost wishes thou shalt have in state, 
Although including half the kingdom great." 
The queen enliven d, deep attention paid, 
She this petition to the monarch made : 
^' \^ in thy sight, O king, I've favour found, 
And grace with him who's over nations crown'd, 
Oh ! let my life be given me this day, 
And for my people, 1 sincerely pray : 
For we are sold, to my unbounded pain, 
To be by the destroying weapon slain ! 
If we had been but into bondage sold, 
I would my tongue, in humble silence hold. 
Although the foe, with all his wealth would fail,,- 
The king's great damage e'er to countervail." 
The loss sustain'd by taking quite awaj 
The tribute, that so many people pay. 



ESTHER. 36S 

The monarch here seem'd vvonderstruck, and pain'd/ 
Forgetful of the statute Hauian gaiii'd^ — 
** Say who is he, and where (exclaim'd the king) 
That in his heart durst e'er presume the thing." 
" The adversary may with ease be seen, 
It is this wicked Haman,'* said the queen. 

That word, like lightning, with its awful doom. 
Struck Haman with astonishment and gloom ! 
There was not in his countenance a trace, 
Of innocency with her open face. 
The king could his great consternation see. 
And recollecting, doubtless the decree. 
For the destruction of the scattered Jews, 
Quite inconsistent with all human views, 
The wretch allur'd. in an unwary hour, 
Him to confirm, with his imperial pow'r : 
He from the banqutet rose in discontent. 
In anger to the palace garden went. 
Now Haman saw one most alarming thing, 
That evil was determin'd by the king. 
Stood up amaz'd, for life to supplicate. 
Before the queen, in his degraded slate. 
His princely resolution from him fled ; 
He fell down as a suppliant on the bed 
Where she was sitting (thus o'erpassM his bound) 
And by the king was in that posture found, 
When he forth from the garden came again 5 
Which he resented, with a great disdain, 
To think the man, a subject, dare be seen, 
Indecently to draw so near the queen. 

The king exclaim'd, in his displeasure new, 
** Will he abuse the queen in open view?** 
As soon as this was by the monarch said. 
The officers attending there, were led 
To take a veil and cover Haman's face ;—« 
D(^ath"s awful token, in his deep disgrace. 

Harhonah then, a trusty chamberlain, 
Who'd g»)tten tidings of the project vain, 
Infofm'd the king. "That Haman, with parade> 
A gallows high as fifty cubits made, 

32 



366 ESTHER. 

Near his own house, with this most brutal view. 

To hang thereon good Mordecai the Jew; 

He who the king from wicked treason fried. 

And of the monarch well deservd indeed." 

As soon as this was in his presence nam'd, 

" Hang him thereon,'' the angry king exclaim'd. 

When this decree was by the monarch made, 

The execution was no time delay'd — 

They hung the wretch, upon the gallows new, 

That he had made for Mordecai the Jew. 

The king, who had so sorely been displeas'd, 
Was now by wicked Haman's death appeas d ; 
And on that day he gave, by his decree, 
The house of Haman, the Jew's enemy, 
Unto the queen, his royal spouse? with cheer, 
Who to the king was faithful and sincere. 
That Mordecai, she told the monarch free> 
To her was near, by consanguinity 
Then he was call'd by order of the king, 
And when he came, the monarch took his ring. 
As he had done to the illustrious knave, 
"Which now to his friend Mordecai he gave. 
Promoted thus, the queen without delay, 
Of Haman's house gave Mordecai the sway. 

Tho' Harnan thus had vanish'd from his place, 
Yet was not Esther, nor the Jewish race. 
From apprehension of great danger free ; 
For in full vigour stood the king's decree. 
The queen, therefore, on that important thing, 
Once more adventured to address the king; 
And falling down before him at his feet, 
Did him with tears and moving words entreat, 
To put away the direful evil quite, 
Of Haman that mischievous Agagite, 
Which he devis'd against the peaceful Jews, 
And did throughout the provinces diffuse. 

On this, the feeling monarch, we are told, 
Held forth to her the sceptre made of gold, 
And to her in this trymg scene was kind, 
Eacourag'd her to freely speak her mind : 



ESTHER. 

So she arose, by his affection led, 

In moving terms address'd the king, and said: 

" If it may please the king, and I have found, 

Grace in his sight, who's over Persia crown'd, 

Permit some letters to be writ and seal'd, 

And those devis'd by Haman, be repeal'd, • 

"Which gave direction for the direful fate, 

Of all the Jews throughout thy kingdom great -: 

For how can I endure the grievous pain, 

And grief of seeing: my own people slain ? 

How can i view, and have a being here. 

The dire destruction of my kindred near ?" 

The king attentive at this interview, 
Said to the queen, and Mordecai the Jew, 
Lo, I have given (which I now repeal) 
Unto the queen, vile Haman's splendid seat ; 
Him they liave hang'd, as he, with wicked views, 
PresumM to lay his hand upon the Jews. 
When ye a view have taken of the theme. 
Write for the Jews Tis you may prudent deem, 
Let it be written in the monarch's name, 
With the king's signet (kmly seal the same : 
As for the former writing, that decree 
Was written by the king's authority. 
In his own name, and with his signet seal'd, 
Can never be by Persian lawsrepeal'd. 

The secretaries of the king, we read, 
Were call'd upon to take their pens with speed ; 
The writing was as Murdecai would choose — 
The letters were directed to the Jews; 
To all the king's lieutenants then at helm, 
The deputies and rulers of the realm. 
From India unto Ethiopia's shore ; 
To all the regions he was ruling o'er : 
In language of each province went the news, 
As well as in the language of the Jews. 
The letters full authoritv contain'd. 
From him who o'er that mighty empire reign'd, 
Unto the Jews, that on the thirteenth day 
Of the twelfth month, they might themselves array. 



367 



36S ESTHER. 

(The time appointed by the edict vain, 
For them to be throughout the kingdom slain) 
To join in evry province of the land, 
And for their lives to make a noble stand ; 
Throughout the realm, all who the Jews annoy'd, 
MiglR be by Jewish fighting bands destroyed ; 
That they should have some recompense for toil. 
They for a prey might freely take the spoil. 

And these important letters bearing date, 
At Shushan palace, then the seat of state, 
The three and twentieth of third month, we find. 
Were written in the monarch's name and sign'd, 
And firmly w^ith the royal signet sealM, 
They could not be by Persian laws repealed. 
These were despatch d, and by the king's command. 
Sent to each section of the kingdom grand, 
By posts that seem'd triumphant and elate ; 
On mules well mounted, and on camels great :— 
On horses they for greatest fleetness chose — 
On dromedaries swift as mountain roes. 

Thus was sent forth the great and glorious news, 
That timely notice they might give the Jews, 
To arm themselves, be in complete array, 
To crush their foes on the appointed day. 

Then went out from the presence of the king. 
The joyful Mordecai, whose heait could sing ; 
With royal robes this prince appear'd in view ; 
Of purple colour, and of white and blue, 
Richl) adorn'd with a great crown of gold; 
A revolution wondrous to behold ! 
The city Shushan was alive with joy, 
Which in each province seem'd without alloy. 
On the reception of the king's command, 
The Ht-hrews had great gladness in the land ; 
And nmuy people join'd the Jews, 'tis said. 
Because of them they were indeed in dread. 

On the arrival of the day of fate, 
The ti(ne allotted for the struggle great, 
Which was the twelfth month, and the thirteenth day, 
The Jews forewarn'd, were in complete array, 



ESTHER, 



369 



Join'd in all places where they were distress'd — 

Deternunation govern'd ev vy breast : 

They fought witlj valour— those who them assail'd, 

Completely in their expectation faild ; 

No foe was found, nor any hostile band, 

That could before the Jewish valour stand : 

For lo • their terror, and an awful fear, 

Fell on the people, who were far and near, 

And all the rul^^is of that region great, 

Lieutenants and the deputies ofstate, 

United to assist the Jews to sway, 

On them so fell the fear of Mordecai ; 

For he was potent in the king s house grown, 

And great with him who sat upon the throne. 

With wings of joy went nimbly forth his name, 

Through all the distant provinces his fame. 

The Jews encourag'd, with great valour rose, 
And boldly fell on their intestine foes : 
The sword they in the royal city drew, , 
In J*!hushan they five hundred persons slew. 
A.nong the slain ihey in the city found, 
Were the ten sons of Haman, once renown'd. 
In ev'ry place, to fight the Jews was vain ; 
Of foes were five and seventy thousand slain. 
It was indeed, a great victorious day. 
But in no place they meddled with the prey. 

That day they brought unto the king the news, 
The number slain in Shushan by the Jews. 
He told queen Esther, that the Jews had then, 
In Shushan city slain five hundred men ; 
By which she might an apprehension gain. 
That many were in other places slain. 
" What further hast thou to request ? (said he) 
For tljy petition shall be granted thee " 

" If it may please the king for me to choose, 
Let it (said she) be granted to the Jews 
Which are in royal Shushan, to array. 
And do to-morrow, as they've done to dayc 
And also let (said she unto the king) 
The sons of Haman on the gallows swing/' 

33* 



370 ESTHER. 

He paid attention, with regard unfeign'd, 
This also, slu^ without delay oblain'd. 
The kinir commanded that it so should be — 
For it at Shushan issu'd hjs decree; 
And iiaman'ssons (the valiant Hebrews slew) 
Were forthwith brought, and hang d in open view, 
Not distant, likely, from their duelling seat, 
Ihi'ir ignominy fully to complete. 

At Shushan city on the fourteenth day, 
The Jews equipped, were muster'd in array. 
Arid slew three hundred more of Haman s band. 
But on the prey they put not forth a hand. 

For this sucj-ess, and the deliv'rance great. 
Of all the Jews, from their most direful fate, 
They testified throughout the realm their joy, 
(Which seem'd, indeed, unmingled with alloy) 
By feasting and by sending gifts around — 
Triumphant joy, almost without a bound. 
Then Mordecai, who was by all obeyM, 
A record kept, and an appointment made. 
To keep the fourteenth and the fifteenth days 
Of Adar yearly, as a time of praise ; 
As days wherein the anxious Jews had rest, 
From all their foes, by whom they were oppress'd- 
The month in which their doleful gloomy night 
"W'as turnM to joy, a scene of great delight. 
That they their freedom should commemorate, 
Those ti-dys with feasting and rejoicing, great, 
Of send) ao' pt^rtions to each other round. 
And givinii gifts unto ihe poor they found. 

As Hainan iongwas casting Pur, (the lot) 
To know the tiioe fur a successful plot. 
To slay and to cc»nsume the Jews complete ; 
It was ordainM upon the great d? f^-at, 
That these two days, (replete with joy and fame) 
Thev should henceforth, the feast of Purim name. 
These days were fixM, by all the Jews to be 
K^pt nlt'i v:;i'eat strictness, and soh'm?iity. 
And Muiiecai, who to great pow'r had grown, 
Next to the king, upon the royal throne. 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL. 371 

That he might knowledge of this rule diffuse 
Throughout the kingdom, wrote to all the Jews : 
And then to make what he had done complete, 
The queen wrote also, from her royal seat. 
The Jews thereon, to take it all agreed, 
An ordinance an them, and on their seed, 
That they should keep the Purim feast, with cheer. 
At the appointed time in ev'ry year — 
In ev'ry fam'ly, province, isle, and state, 
And in each city, through the kingdom great, 
As a memorial, to themselves and seed, 
Of their deiiv'rance in the time of need. 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL. 



While king Jehoiakim in Judah reign'd, 
The Israelites in wickedness remain'd : 
Then Bab'lon's monarch, with a great parade, 
Came to Jerus'lem, there a siege he laid. 
He took their king, among the things he wrought, 
And him in triumph unto Bab'lon brought. 
Some vessels for the temple made complete. 
He carried with him. to his ro^al seat. 
'i he monarch also to a herald spake, 
And gave command, that he should with him take 
Some Israelites, related to their king. 
And to their princes, these to Bab'lon bring; 
They must be fail, and free frnn» blemish quite — 
Well educated and of talents bright : 
To be instructed — in the language taught, 
And all the learning by the Chaldeans sought, 
And when completely qualified to bring 
Them in the palace t.i att(md the king 

Fnur were selected, one was Daniel fam'd, 
Han'niah, Mishael, Azariah nam'd. 



372 THE HISTORY OP DANIEL* 

New names were given, at the king's command, 

As slavery's token, in the distant land. 

By Belteshazzar, Daniel's known to all ; 

And Hananiati now they Shadrach call ; 

And (hey upon the other two bestow 

The names of Meshach and Abednego. 

These were instructed, and for three years train'd, 

In all the learning that could there be gain'd. 

The king, to make these captives more content. 
Provision daily from his table sent ; 
The things to which he thought they would incline, 
A plenteous portion of his meat and wine. 
So Daniel was in Babylon well known, 
At that grand court in estimation grown — 
In the true church he was with honour crown'd, 
For piety and wisdom most profound. 

But Daniel and his friends would not incline 
To eat the meat nor drink the monarch's wine ; 
Some might be known unlawful for a Jew ; 
Some, otherwise polluted in their view. 
They therefore ask'd their president, 'tis said^ 
That they might not upon the same be fed. 
Now Daniel was in favour, and was dear 
To him who was the prince, their overseer, 
Who was dispos'd these Jews to gratify, 
Provided he no risk incurrM thereby. 
But he objected that he thus might bring 
Upon himself the censure of the king, 
Should they for want of necessary food — 
Of diet that was nourisliing and good, 
Look worse than all the students of their band, 
When they should in the monarch's presence standi 

Daniel prevail'd with Melzar t>) comply, 
With pulse and water for their food to try : 
Therewith ten days to prove them and compare 
Their countenances with the others there — 
Wi!,h those who did the kini^'s provisions eat, 
Awd deal with them as he shnuld then see meet. 

So they were left by their presiding friend, 
And came together at the ten days' eiid. 



THE HISTORY OF DANI«L. 



373 



On the review, these conscientious men, 
Were fat, and fairer than the others then; 
Than any w'no were to the trial led, 
Who had upon the royal dainties fed. 
Then I heir purveyor, as they did incline. 
Kept back from then) the monarch's meat and wine. 
To their peti%[)n freely he agreed, 
Left thein on pulse, the fruit of pods, to feed. 

Their true religious abstinence, we find, 
Aud self-denial of the carnal mind, 
Was well receiv'd-— it was the heavenly will, 
Thera to invest with knowledge and with skill, 
In learning great— in wisdom deep and true ; 
Which furnish'd Daniel with a wondrous view 
And understan<ling of sublimest themes, 
And hidden visions, and mysterious dreams. 
At three years end, the time that they were taught, 
Tiiey in the presence of the king were brought; 
And he awiiile communing with them, found 
Them so in depth of wisdom to abound. 
They far excell d, and vv«)ndrously outshone. 
Magicians and astrologers then known. 

Lrelong, wise Daniel, by the heav'nly will, 
Display'd a t«»ken of his wondrous skill. 
For Nebuchadnezzar, who was then the king, 
Dteam'd a surprising and mysterious thing : 
His mind was greatly troubled at the theme. 
But he forgot the matter of his dream. 

He issu'd from the palace his command, 
To bring forth the magicians of the land ; 
Astrologers— those in the sorcerers' line, 
And Chaldeans, who pretended to divine. 
Thus came all those in BabMon most esteemed, 
Of them the king demanded what he dream'd. 

They all declared this too abstruse a theme : 
Excus'd themselves from telling of the dream ; 
Said they would the interpretation show, 
If he would let them, what his dream was, know. 

The king replied, he could not tell them true, 
Because the thing had vanished from his view ; 



374 THE HISTORY OP DANIEL. 

Therefore indeed, they must to him declare 
The dream, and the interpretation fair. 
Their houses sure should be in ruins laid, 
And they be slain in case they disobey'd. 
Yet promised tliein. if they would bring to view, 
His dream, and the interpn'tation too, 
He would promote them to a high degree, 
Reward with riches, and great dignity. 

Their answer was, what most judicious seem'd. 
Let us, thy servants, know what thou hast dream'd, 
And we will show the monarch, with delight, 
Th' interpretation of ihe dream aright. 

The monarch would not their petition heed, 
Rnply'd, " i he thing is gone from me indeed 5 
If ye will not make known the vision true, 
1 tiere is, in fact, but one decree for you ; 
For ye have form'd and \y\ng words arrang'd,« 
To speak to me until the time be changed. 
Tell me the dream, than f indeed shall know, 
That ye can the interpretation show." 

They for themselves alleg'cj, that " What the king, 
"W as then requiring, was so rare a thing, 
Such as no man upon the earth could show. 
Nor any one, except the gods, could know. 
Whose dwelling-place is not with flesh and blood ; 
(Tliat is, mere spiritual beings understood) 
And that before, no ruler, lord, or king, 
Of any subject call'd for such a thing." 

The king was rais'd to raging anger then, 
And gave command that Babylon's wise men 
Should be destroyed ; those who had longprofess'd, 
That they the pow'r that's magical possess d. 
So he sent forth his wild decree that day, 
That they, in fact, should all those wise men slay. 
And Daniel too, and his three friends were sought. 
That they might be, by this injunction brought, 
To be with the soothsayers, light and vain, 
Astrologers and the magicians slain. 

When Daniel heard it. he, without a shock, 
Wisely address'd himself to Arioch, 



THE HISTORY OP DANIEL. 375 

The captain of the monarch's guard, who then 
Had his commission to destroy the men : 
He queryM of him, why the king's decree, 
For execution must so hasty be ? 
He then receiv'd from Arioch, a more 
Distinct account, than what he had before. 

Then Daniel went, and he besought the king 
To give him time, and heM unfold the thing. 
That he the dream would doubtless let him know;, 
And also the interpretation show. 
The monarch freely granted his request ; 
And humble Daniel his three friends address'd, 
Told them the theme, requested them that hour. 
To join in pray'r to Him, the God of pow'r. 
That He who did the heav'ns and earth create, 
Would unto them reveal the secret great. 

And lo ! the Lord of life was pleas'd to hear, 
The voice of these petitioners, sincere 5 
Reveal'd the secret, by his heav'niy light, 
To Daniel, in a vision of the night. 
Then he return'd acknowledgement, in lays, 
To God, in true thanksgiving and in praise ; 
*' Bless'd be the Lord, the King whom we adore 5 
Wisdom and might are his for evermore : 
The times and seasons he can change ('tis true) 
Remove great kings, and set up moiiarchs new. 
He giveth wisdom — to the wise a flow — 
Adds knowledge where they understanding know : 
Lo ! He reveals the deep and sf cret things ; 
Hid from man's wisdom — from magicians — kings ; 
He knows what rules in darkness and in night; 
His dwelling place is everlasting light : 
Lo ! thou has granted wisdom — knowledge — pow'r j 
To me unfolded, in the trying hour, 
W^hat we sincerely crav'd of thee alone — 
The wondrous subject of the king made known. 
I thank thee humbly — praise thy holy name, 
My fathers' God of everlasting fame." 

To Arioch the j<>yful Daniel went, 
Whom the rasa king to slay the men had sent. 



376 THE HISTORY OF DANIEL* 

Requested him not one of them to slay ; 
To bring him to the king without delay; 
That he was ready to unfold the theme- 
Interpretation also of the dream. 

The officer was doubtless glad indeed, 
To be from such a bloody bus'ness freed, 
He brought the piophet to the seat of state, 
Into the presence of the monarch great. 
The king askM Daniel, with an anxious heart, 
If he could the great mystery impart — 
Unfold the dream, that he had seen one night, 
And likewise the interpretation right .^ 
The s< er replying, freely told the king, 
1 hat this great secret, and mysterious thing, 
That he was seeking, and therein had faiFd, 
Could never be by human parts unveil'd. 
It was a theme beyond magicians' reach, 
Soothsayers and astrologers to teach. 
But there's a God, that secrets can reveal. 
Instruction by the nightly vision seal, 
Who by this dream, to thy clear view displays 
Some wondrous things, to be in future days. 

Then Daniel, modestly premising, said. 
That he was not into this secret led. 
For any wisdom he as man had gainM, 
More than might be by other men obtained ; 
But for their sake, who hearing the relation, 
Might benefit by the interpretation : 
And that the king might understand the theme, 
He then, with clearness, thus declar'd the dream 

*' O king isaid he) thy mind was deeply led, 
Thy thoughts arose, while sleeping on the bed, 
That thou might'st into future times discern. 
And what will surely be hereafter learn. 
Now let the king to pay attention please, 
Thy dream and visions of thy head were these : 

Lo ! thou beheld a mighty image stand. 
Whose brightness was n)ost excellent and grand ; 
It was a sight most wonderful and new, 
The form thereof was terrible to view. 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL. 



377 



"The head of this great image was of gold, 
His breast and arms 6>f silver ; and behold I 
Of brass was made his belly and his thighs ; 
His legs of iron, of prodigious size. 
The massy feet, that bore the image gay, 
Were part of iron, and were part of clay. 
Then from a mountain, that was clearJy shown. 
Without a hand was cut a mighty stone, 
Which smiting this great injage on the feet, 
Of clay and iron, them in pieces beat ; 
At this dread stroke they were too weak to hold : 
Then was the brass, the silver and the gold, 
To pieces broken ; they appear'd no more 
Than chaff upon the summer threshing floor; 
No place was found for them at all — they flew 
Like dust before the fleeting wind that blew : 
The stone, that thus, to dust the image hurl'd, 
Grew to a mountain, and it fill'd the world." 

This is, said Daniel to the king, the dream. 
And now shall be interpreted the theme : 
Thou art, O king, a king of many kings ; 
Behold ! the God who form'd most wondrous things-, 
On the« bestowed a kingdom, pow'r and strength, 
JExtensive glory, to so great a length, 
That wheresoe'er mankind can have* a seat — 
Beasts of the field, and flying fowls retreat, 
Lo ! he hath all into thy hand bestow'd ; 
Made thee a ruler o'er the wide abode : 
Thou art, O king, this noble head of gold. 
And after thee, thy monarchy behold ! 
Another kingdom in the world shall rise, 
As much inferior in the people's eyes. 
As silver is to gold — when that shall pass, 
A third shall rise, that's emblem'd here by brass ; 
W hich like a potent, over-ruling birth. 
Shall have dominion over all the earth. 
A fourth shall rise, hke iron, strong and sound, 
Shall bruise and break the other kingdoms round. 
Whereas thou didst the feet and toes survey, 
To be of iron, and of potter's clay ; 

33 



378 THE HiSTORr OF DANIEL, 

So this strong kingdom shall divisions see, 

jShall partly strong, and partly brQ.ken be, 

And weak as clay — and though, in fact, they then, 

Themselves shall mingle with the seed of n}en, 

(Hoping to make themselves both strong and great, 

By an alliance in the marriage state) 

Yet they indeed, shall not united stay, 

As iron will not firmly mix with clay. 

While these are reigning — in these monarch's days, 

Almighty God shall a sure kingdom raise ; 

The government no human strength can take, 

But by great pow'r, it shall in pieces break, 

And shall consume these kingdoms from the land, 

And lo ! this kingdom shall for ever stand. 

Whereas thou sawest that most mighty stone, 
The like to which was never seen or known, 
Which broke tie iron, that it could not hold, 
The brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold, 
Was from the mountain cut, but not by hands, 
God hath made known to thee, the king of lands j 
He hath unfolded other monarch's ways, 
And what shall come to pass in fuiure days. 
The dream is certain (from a source that's pure) 
And also the interpretation sure.'' 

When Daniel tftus.the woudrous dream had told, 
And meaning of the mystery, behold ! 
The king fell down upon his face, 'tis said — 
To worship Daniel he was vainly led ; 
Commanded them to offer sacrifice. 
And odours sweet, unto the prophet wise. 
That Daniel then refus'd th' unlawful thing, 
And also gave instruction to the king, 
All such devotions to direct to God, 
And not to man upon this low abode ; 
May be inferred, altho' 'tis not expressed, 
When he gave Daniel answer and confessed, 
** It is a truth, your's is a God of gods. 
And Lord of kings, who rule the low abodes ; 
Revealer of the secrets great and deep, 
Since thou could'st tell the visions of my sleep.*^ 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL. ST9 

The kin^ then rais'd him to a noble stand. 
He made him ruler over all the land. 
At Daniel's wish that it might then be so, 
Set Shadrach. Meshach, and Abednego, 
His three companions over the affairs 
Of Babylon, to ease him of his cares. 
But Daniel (iho' it made the princes sour) 
Sat in the king"'s gate, next to him in pow'r. 

Awhile from this, perhaps about four yearSj 
The haughty king, as by the text appears, 
Puff'd up in mind, by his great conquests o'er 
Egyptians, Jews, and many nations more ; 
And he, perhaps, might rise in self esteem, 
From the interpretation of the dream, 
Whereby he was (as is already said) 
Compar'd unto the lofty golden head, 
Of that great image, that was strange and new. 
So terrible, and wonderful to view; 
Caus'd a great image, in appearance bold, 
To be erected, of the choicest gold. 
A wonderful and most uncommon sight ; 
For it was threescore cubits in its height ; 
Which makes, we find, no less than ninety feet^ 
In breadth it was six cubits mafde complete. 
This image he erected on the plain 
Of ancient Dura — and was then so vain, 
He suramon'd all the princes far and near, 
The captains, judges, treas'rers to appear, 
The counsellors, and sheriffs of his realm, 
And other officers that stood at helm, 
To come together, in a pompous state, 
To dedication of this image great. 

And when convened, a very numerous crowd, 
A herald made a proclamation loud ; 
It is commanded by your king and friend, 
O people, nations, languages, attend ! 
The instant ye shall hear distinctly round. 
The cornet, flute, the harp, and psalt'ry sound • 
All kinds of i.usic, then shall one and all, 
Witho ut distinction, on their faces fall, 



380 THE HISTORY OP DANIEL^. 

In adoration to this image grand, 

Erected by our emperor's command. 

He who transgresses this decree that's passed, 

Shall be into the burning furnace cast. 

Upon this royal proclamation round, 
J\nd at the hearing of the music sound, 
The men of ev'ry nation, we are told, 
Fell down and worshipp'd this huge mass of gold": 
They all obey'd, except the captive Jews, 
Who did indeed, for conscience sake, refuse. 

Some Chaldeans, who by prejudice were sway'd. 
Observed the Jews, that they had disobey'd ; 
Would not adore the idol great and vain ; 
Did of them to the emperor complain. 
Not thinking it advisable or best. 
To venture first on Daniel, but the rest, 
For Daniel was, as these informers knew, 
In high esteem, in their great monarch's view; 
Thought human prudence taught to strike the blow, 
At Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 
Whom they then envied, and were discontent, . 
At their advancement in the government, 
■^rhey told the king what these three Jews had done, 
Whom he promoted in great Babylon — 
They fear'd not him, not yet his gods obey'd. 
Nor bow'd before the image he had made. 

Although the monarch was enrag'd we see, 
At the transgression of his great decree, 
Yet he was not so void of reason then. 
As quite unheard to sentence these good men. 
So he commanded that they should be sought, 
And forthwith in the royal presence brought. 
When they appeared, he query'd, *' Is it so, 
O Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego ! 
That ye rebel, and will not fall before, 
Nor serve at all, the gods that I adore ? 
Can it be true that ye indeed withhold 
From worshipping this image made of gold .f*" 

Then taking it for granted, that was true, 
And thinking now to give them warning new ; 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL, 381 

He added this, " If for the future ye, 

Be ready to attend to my decree, 

When ye shall hear the flute and cornet sound, 

The harp, and ev'ry kind of music round, 

Ye worship this great image I have made— - 

Fall down before it, I shall be obey'd. 

This is by you distinctly understood, 

If you obey, 'tis very well and good. 

If ye regard not my command of pow'r, 

Lo ! ye shall surely be, the very hour, 

(My word is given, my decree is pass'd) 

Into a burning fiery furnace cast. 

" Who is that God, exclaim'd the monarch grand, 

That shall relieve you from my potent hand '' 

This haughty speech impressed these pious Jews,, 
With great abhorrence of the monarch's views : 
Undauntedly they therefore told the king, 
" They were not careful to regard the thing ; 
Shouldst thou indeed, us in the furnace cast, 
God we vyill serve, and worship to the last. 
He by his own eternal potent name, 
Is able to preserve us in the flame, 
And make us in the hottest fire to sing : 
Jie will preserve us from thine hand, O king. 
But should he not, we make it known this day^ 
Tliat we will not thy lifeless gods obey ; ***' 

Nor worshfp this great image made of gold, 
Thou hast set up, and which we here behold." 

This firm reply, the king to ano[;er led, 
His countenance was greatly chang'd, 'tis said. 
He, in his fury, made a new decree, 
Respecting what the furnace pow'r should be; 
That they the heating should in fact repeat, 
Till sev'n times hotter than the wonted heat. 

All being ready, he determin'd spake, 
To some of his most mighty men to take 
Good Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 
To bind, and cast them in the burning wo. 
So they were bound (a scene before unknown) 
With clothes and hats, and in the furnace thrown. 
., .. 33* 



382 THE HISTORY 0F DANIBL. 

Although the heat was so intense, it slew 

The men who theni into the furnace threw; 

Yet they fell down (relying on God's arm) 

Amidst the furnace, free from fire or harm : 

Their bands were loos'd, like ropes of sand became j 

They rose and walked, rejoicing in the flame. 

The king, whose anger was so very great, 
Was present, his revenge to satiate ; 
Soon into deep astonishment was led — 
He rose in haste, and to his heralds said, 
*' Did we not sure, by my direction cast, , 

Three persons bound, into the flaming blast?" 
"Which they confirming — Now behold ! (said he) 
Four men unbound, and quite unhurt, I see, 
Walk in the fire, as on a verdant sod, 
The fourth, in form, is like the Son of God !" 

Then coming to the burning furnace nigh, 
Near as he durst, he stood and rais'd his cry ; 
" O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ! 
Servants of God, above the gods below, 
Come forth, come hither !*'— whereupon they came, 
With joy triumphant, from the burning flame. 

The princes, rulers, and the captains there, 
And multitude, who saw the scene so rare ; 
As well as the great Babylonish king, 
In consternation at the wondrous thing, 
Beheld the men, with bodies yet entire, 
The fullest proof against the hottest fire ? 
With hair unsing'd, they from the furnace came, 
Their coats unscorch'd, though in the burning flamed 
It was a wonder, strange indeed to tell — 
The fire upon them had not left a smell ! 
On this, the monarch, Neb'chadnezzar nam'd, 
At the most wondrous miracle, exclaim'd : 
" Bless'd be the God (from whom all mercies flow) 
or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 
Who hath his holy heav'nly angel sent, 
To save his children, in the furnace pent ; 
Reliev'd his servants in the trying hour, 
Who trusted in his everlasting povv'r ; 



THE HISTORY OP DANIEI. 383 

Who tho' my threats with fury on them came. 
Have yielded up their bodies to the flame, 
Ere any god they'd worship or adore, 
Except their own, who lives for evermore. 
Now therefore listen, with attention free, 
To ev'ry people— nation, my decree : 
He who reviles the God that sav'd from woe, 
Meek Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 
Sliall be cut off, by my supreme command, 
And each one's house demolished from the land^ 
For there's no god can do what here is done — 
That can deliver like this Mighty One." 

The king did then new offices bestow, 
On Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego : 
Which doubtless was a disappointment sore, 
To those who vainly envied them before. 

This potent monarch, in the world renown'dj 
Was at his rest from enemies around ; 
Did joyful in his royal palace seem. 
Was sadly frightrn'd by another dream. 
WMien he the subject in his musings view'd. 
It brought on him a deep solicitude. 
Yet this was not so painful for the king. 
As when he lost all knowledge of the thing; 
For tho' his wonder and alarm was great, 
He now distinctly could his dream relate. 

As his magicians formerly had said, 
If he would tell the vision of his head. 
They would explain the mystery with cheer; 
It needless seem'd to call upon the seer. 
Then, as the best expedient to be done, 
He sent for the wise men of Babylon, 
To them declar'd his wondrous dream, in vain, 
For all of them were at a loss again. 
Then, to the sinking the magicians fame. 
Was Daniel call'd, who to the monarch came. 
^' O BeUeshazzar (thus the emp'ror cries) 
The real master of magicians wise ; 
I long have known, with admiration free. 
The spirit of the holy gods in thee ; 



384 THE HISTORY OP PANIEL. 

No secret is too hard for thee to teach, 
Nor mystery beyond thy depth of reach ; 
For thou canst tell the visions of iny dream, 
And the interpretation of the theme.'' 

Proceeding then to tell his dream, he said, 
*^ Thus were the visions of my mind in bed; 
I saw a tree amid the earth that grew ; 
The height thereof was wonderful to view ; 
'Twas strong and tall, arose to heav'n, in height- 
Was of the end of all the earth in sight ; 
The leaves were fair, the fruit thereof was good, 
And yielded to all human beings food : 
Beneath its shade the beasts could safely rest — 
The flying fowls, the tow'ring boughs possess'd; 
By its productions, (in profusion gain'd) 
Were all the creatures of the eartl^ sustain'd. 

I, in my dream, or visions of my head, 
Was to behold another wonder lead ; 
A watcher and a holy one descry 'd, 
Descend from heav'n unto the earth, and cry'd, 
*' Hew down the tree — its branches cut away ; 
Shake oifthe leaves, and fruit, without delay: 
And let the beasts depart from being near; 
Upon the branches let no fowls appear : 
Its stump and roots leave firmly in the ground^ 
E'en with a band of brass and iron round. 
Let it within the grazing field be set ; 
There let it with the heavenly dew be wet. 
Behold his portion is with beasts to fare. 
To feed on verdant tender herbage there. 
And let his heart no more like hunjan be, 
But with a beast's heart let it now ai^ree. 
And let his dwelling be among the grass, 
Till seven times shall fully o'er him pass. 
This by the watcher firmly is decreed, 
By the demand of holy ones indeed, 
To the intent, that men on earth may know. 
That the Most High rules kingdoms here below— 
Gives ihem to those who are his choice alone; 
Sets whom he will upon the royal throne. 



THE HISTORY OF DANlELi 6bi 

This is my dream : O Daniel, man of fame, 
Unfold to me the meaning of the same ; 
For all the wise men of n)y kingducn are 
Unable the deep mys'try to declare ; 
But thou art able, for I surely ste, 
The spirit of the holy gods in thee." 

When Daniel thus had heard the wondrous dream^ 
He stood an hour astonished at the theme 
His heart was struck' with anguish to the ground ; 
Not at the least perplexity he found, 
Of teUing the interpretation true ; 
But at the deep, afflicting sense, and view. 
He had for the dire judgment on the king, 
He saw portended by the om'nous thing, ' 

The heedful king observing Daniel's state, 
That he was in a cor:j|ternation great ; 
** Let not the dream, though wonderful, (said he) 
Nor the interpretation, trouble thee ; 
Declare it freely unto me this day, 
Without confusion, be it what it may," 
*' My lord, I wish this inauspicious dream, 
(Said he) might be for those who disesteem— 
For those who hate and would against thee rise; 
The interpretation for thine enemies. 
For lo ! the tree, of which thou dost relate, 
That grew so tall, and was so strong and great, 
Which reach'd unto the hcav'n above in height. 
And to the ends of all the earth the sight ; 
Whose leaves were fair, and fruit so plenty found. 
In it was meat for all the world around. 
The beasts abode in its refreshing shade. 
And fowls thereon their habitation made:. 
'Tis thou, O king, who art so mighty grown ; 
Thy name throughout the universe is known — 
Thy powV unto the high abode extends — 
Dominion to this region's utmost ends. 
Thou savv'st a watcher, who was great and good, 
Come down from heav'n, upon the earth he stood, 
Proclaiming in thy hearing this decree : 
" Hew down the great — destroy the mighty tree ; 



ei 



86 THE HISTORY OP DANIEL. 



Yet leave the stump well rooted in the ground ; 
Let it jernain and be securely bound, 
With a strong band of iron and of brass. 
Within the field where grows the tender grass ; 
There let it be from day to day in view, 
And wet at night with the nocturnal dew : 
Let him abide, and with the beasts be fe(]f 
Till seven times pass over him, with dread.*' 

The interpretation is the dire decree. 
Of the Most High that is to come on thee : 
Lo ! they shall drive thee from the human racej 
And with the beasts shall be thy dwelling-place : 
Tiiere wet with dew, shalt thou be fed on grass. 
Till seven times O king, shall o'er thee pass — 
Till thou shalt know the Mighty One on high, 
Rules in the kingdoms that are fai* and nigh : 
He reign'd of old, and is the ruler still, 
And gives command to whomsoever he will. 

Whereas, the holy angel gave command, 
To leave the stump, well rooted in the land ; 
This clearly shows the kingdom and the throne, 
Is sure for thee, when thou hast fully known, 
The pow'r of Him, whose judgments loudly call^ 
The Lord of heav'n — the Ruler over all.'' 

" I ve lold, said Daniel, what is the decree — > 
Interpretation of the dream to thee : 
Now let my counsel deeply thee impress ; 
Break off thy sins, O king, by righteousness. 
And shov/ing mercy to the poor around, 
That thou may'st in tranquility abound." 

It was not long before the direful thing, 
Was executed on the lofty king. 
For at the end of twelve months more, we find. 
As he was walking v/ith a vaunting mind, 
In Babylon his royal palace, fam'd, 
In grandeur great, he suddenly exclaim'd : 
" Is not this seat, great Babylon I plann'd 
For the house royal of the kingdom grand- 
Built by my might, — the pow'r of my decree, 
And for the honour of my majesty f ■ 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL. 387 

As soon as this was by the monarch said, 
A voice frora hf^av'n saluted him \vith dread : 
*' O Neb'chadnezzd., this is the decree, 
The throne and kingdom now are gone from thee. 
And they sha 1 drive thee from the hunihn ra' e, 
And with the beasts shall he thy dwelling-place ; 
Like hungry oxen thou si aii eal the grass, 
And seven times o'er thee snail surely pass, 
Till thou shall with a full assurance know, 
That the M n-t High is majesty below — 
That He who form'd, will be the ruler still, 
And give the throne to whomsoe'er he will.'* 

On this, behohl ! the emperor, that hour, 
Was driven from his royal seat of pow'r ; 
He, like an ox, on verdant pasture fed — 
His body there was v^et witi) dew, 'tis said, 
Until his hairs like eagles' feathers grew, 
His nails like claws upon the birds that flew. 

I'hus was thi"? king andd his great reivown. 
For his presumption, and his pride, brought dovvB. 
But at the end of the appointed time. 
For his chastisement in tlie open clime. 
To heaven, lifting up his heart and eyes. 
From whence he found his only succour rise ; 
His reason came — he rais'd to God his cry — 
He bless'd the King, the Majesty on high ; 
With heart-felt praise, did honour and adore, 
And worship Him who lives for evermore. 
He whose dominion, from an ancient hour, 
W as known to be an everlasting pow'r; 
And overall? His kingdom to extend, 
To generations that will never end. 
The people who upon the earth are known 
Are nothing when compar'd to Him alone : 
Who in the army of the heav'ns above. 
With those who in the earthly region move, 
Performs according to His own command. 
And none can stay His potent arm or hand : 
The majesty of ancient days and now, 
Nor put to Him the query, what dost thou ? 



3S8 THE HISTORY OP DANIELv 

His reason here returning^, as before, 
He's qualified for government once more : 
His princes and pt ime cuunsellors, the same 
Wiio had depos d him, now with pleasure came — 
And re establish 'd on the throne was he, 
With royal pow'r, and with great majesty. 
And then as a sincere acknowledgment^ 
Both of his sinning to a great extent, 
And tender mercy to him from the Lord, 
A speech he publish'd of his own accord. 
To all the people of the earth I send ; 
Let nations, and the languages attend : 
Wherein premi:^ing that he thou2:ht it good, 
To let it through the world be understood. 
The sign* and wonders that the Lord had wrought, 
And judgments on him for transgression brought. 
The matter he did clearly then relate, 
His dream and the interpretation state — 
And the fulfilment, when it came with dread. 
To end the theme, the king as follows, said : 
" I Neb'chadnezzar, now extol and praise, 
The heavenly King for all His righteous ways. 
His works are truth, my heart can now confess, 
And His deep judgments are in righteousness — 
Those who in pride would vainly run this race, 
Like me, alas! He's able to abase." 

How long this monarch o'er the kingdom reign'd. 
Is not from sacred history obtain'd. 
He left the throne, when he his race had run, 
To one nam'd Evil-Merodach, his son : 
Who is suppos'd to be prince-regent, when 
The king abode with beasts, instead of men. 
At his decease, succeeded on the throne, 
His son Belshazzar, for his lux'ry known. 

This king to make a noble feast was led, 
Unto a thousand of his lords, 'tis said ; 
Before them drank the luscious wine that flow'd, 
And on his guests a bounteous share bestowed* 
^Twas then the order of the jo'ly king, 
The silver vessels, and of gold to bring, 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL. S89 

Which his grandfather, when he wore the crown, 
Brought from Jerus'lem's temple of renown. 
These consecrated vessels, then were brought, 
And as this vain, voluptuous monarch taught, 
His princes, lords (regardless of the sin) 
And women drank delicious wine therein. 
And though the city, histories relate, 
Was then besieg'd, and in a grievous strait ; 
This to regard they would not then incline, 
But still carous'd — securely drank their wine, 
And prais'd the gods of gold, that brightly shone^ 
Of silver, brass, of iron, wood, and stone. 

Amid this rev'ling heinously profane, 
And idle chat, irreverent and vain, 
There came forth fingers (in the view of all) 
Like a man's hand, and wrote upon the wall 
Of the king's palace — he beheld the note, 
Not only so, but saw the hand that wrote. 

This miracle — this most surprising thing, 
With great amazement, struck the impious king. 
He was so daunted at the hand that wrote, 
His joints were loos'd, his knees together smote -: 
And at a thing so wonderful and blind, 
Was greatly troubled, in his heart and mind. 
*^ Briijg in (said he) in his extreme surprise, 
Astrologers, and all the Chaldeans wise, 
That they may read the writing we behold ; 
Th' intctpretalion of the same unfold." 
He said the person who his wish obey'd, 
Should be in scarlet, like a prince array 'd ; 
Wear round his neck a splendid golden chain, 
And the third ruler's noble place obtain. 

The king s wise men, were not of wisdom's race, 
They all were fools, in this mysterious case ; 
So far were from unfolding to the king, 
Th' interpretation of the secret thing, 
No one was found, that could, among them all, 
So much as read the writing on the wall. 

34^ 



390 THE HISTORY OP DANIEL. 

Such deep confusion, at the wondrous scene, 
Alarra'd the court, that Bab'lon's ancient queen* 
Unto the house of banqueting was led : 
'* O live for ever !" to the king she said ; 
Let not thy quiet be at all derang'd, 
Nor at this scene, thy countenance be chang'd : 
Behold ! there's one within thy kingdom's bound, 
In whom the spirit of the gods is found. 
He had in thy ancestor's days great light, 
In understanding and in wisdom bright. 
When thy grandfather wore the royal crown. 
He was a man of merit and renown : 
He him for master of magicians chose — 
O'er Chaldeans and astrologers he rose. 
His name is Daniel, whom 'tis known, the king 
NamM Belteshazzar — did to honour bring. 
He had no equal while that king was crown'd-^ 
In him a spirit excellent was found, 
And understanding to interpret dreams. 
And to unfold bard sentences and themes. 
Let him be call'd, for very well 1 know, 
He will both read it, and the meaning show." 

To this they listen d, and for Daniel sought. 
And he forthwith before the king was brought. 
The king inform'd him, with a serious air. 
He understood his character was fair, 
For wisdom and for understanding bright, 
And for unfolding mysteries aright. 
Then telling him the sages of his land, 
Could not the writing read nor understand : 
" If thou canst read the writing here in view. 
Unfold the meaning of the myst'ry too, 
Thou shalt be cloth'd in scarlet, and behold \ 
About thy neck shalt wear a chain of gold : 
Not only so, but this is my decree, 
Thou shalt third ruler in the kingdom be." 

Then Daniel spoke, not with a churlish mind, 
But modestly, his great reward declin'd. 

* King Nebucb?idnezzar's dovvagerr 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL. 391 

*' I seek no gifts, Dor recompense at all, 
Yet I will read the writing on tlie wall : 
Not only read, but will expound the thing, 
Make known th' interpretation to the king.'^ 
He then proceeded, with a freedom kind. 
Put this profane, voluptuous king in mind ; 
The Lord's just dealings in his view to bring, 
With his grandfather, who was once the' king. 
Thereby preparing him to take a view, 
And own God's judgments On him as his due. 
*' Hear, O thou king ; the Mighty One to save. 
To Neb'chadnezzar, thy grandfather gave 
A kingdom great, vvith the imperial crown, 
And majesty, and honour, and renown: 
The majesty wherewith he then was crown'd, 
Made people, nations, languages around — 
Those who abode in distant lands and near, 
Before him tremble, and to fall vvith fear. 
So great was he, and absolute his powV, 
He sav-d alive, or slew at any hour. 
And whom he chose, he rais d to high renown. 
And whom he would, he readily put down. 
But when his heart to idols was allied, 
And when his mind was harden'd in his pride, 
He was depos'd — led from his royal throne, 
His majesty was as a thing unknown. 
He who before, was potent, grand and gay, 
Was driven from the sons of men away — 
"Was doom'd a season with wild beasts to pass^— 
He fed, like oxen, on the verdant grass. 
His body there was wet with heaven's dew, 
Till he rever'd the Mighty One, who's true — 
Saw God the seat of Majesty must fill, 
And set o'er kingdoms whomsoe'er he will. 
And thou his grandson, O Belshazzar I though 
All I have said, thou very well dost know, 
Hast not been humbled, by the chast'ning rod, 
But rais'd thyself against the mighty God. 
And now thy servants, have, at thy decree, 
Brought forth the vessels of his house to thee; 



392 THE HISTORY OP DANIEL* 

And thou, thy lords, thy wives, and concubines, 
Have drank, in them, the Babylonish wines; 
And thou hast praisM the gods of gold, that shone. 
Of silver, brass, of iron, wood, and stone ; 
"Which neither see, nor can they hear thy call. 
Nor understand a word that's spoke at all : 
But lo ! the God, who form'd the sea and land ; 
Who hath the breath of life at His command — 
"Whose pow'r extends o'er all thy ways of pridfr. 
Thou hast not serv'd at all, nor glorified : 
Thereon the part of that surprising hand, 
Was sent to write, at the divine command. 

Then " MENE, MENE,'' (written there with dread) 
" TEKEL, UPHARSIN," humble Daniel read. 
Repeating it, he left Upharsin out. 
Put PERES in, synonymous, no doubt. 

When he had read the most mysterious thing, 
He told the fair translation to the king : 
" MENE, means God hath (by his pow'r to bend) 
Thy kingdom nurnber'd, brought it to an end. 
TEKEL, thou in the balances art weigh'd, 
And wanting found — though with a crown array'd. 
Thy kingdom's parted, is by PERES shown, 
Bestow'd on Persians, and the Medes, well known." 

Although the king could not be pleas'd, in mind, 
With this translation of the sentence blind. 
His word and honour was to him so dear, 
His promise he completed to the seer. 
He cloth'd him in a scarlet robe, we're, told, 
ind round his neck they put a chain of gold — 
Thus he was by the king's command array'd, 
And the third ruler, in the kingdom made. 

The king Belshazzar, who had been so vain. 
Had not, in fact, another day to reign — 
He had his summons, by the Lord of all, 
As said the dread hand-writing on the wall. 
The banquet ended with acutest pain. 
For lo ! that night was king Belshazzar slain : 
The Medes, who'then besieg'd the city great, 
Took the advantage of their rev'ling state ; 



THE HISTORY OF DANIEL. 

While they were overcharged with wine, 'tis said, 
Euphrates river from its course was led : 
The furious Medes, who did that rmunent prize, 
Rushed in and took the; city by surprise 

Tiie Mede Darius, sixty-two years old, 
Soon on the throne, in splendour we behold ; 
By Cyrus aided, who was then renown'd, 
Darius over Babylon was crown'd. 

When this was by a proclamation known, 
And he well settled on the royal throne, 
As princes he appointed just sixscore. 
To rule the most extensive kingdom o'er ; 
And higher still, three persons to preside, 
In whom he thought he safely might confide, 
So that the king no damage might sustain — 
Might have a peaceful anil a pleasant reign. 
Of these three presidents, the king's decree. 
Made Daniel chief— gave him the first dfgreej 
Because a heart- and spirit true and bound, 
And excellent indeejd, in him was found — 
A spirit of discerning and of love. 
The king not only seated him above 
The presidents, and rulers at the helm. 
But thought to set him over all the realm^ 
The presidents and princes of the state, 
By this were rais'd to emulation great : 
Without deep envy, could not bear the view, 
That he a stranger, and a captive Jew, 
Should be so great — so by the king admir'd — 
Above them rais'd : to work his fall conspir'd. 

They sought awliile to find against him cause^ 
In his administration of the laws : 
Such was his wisdom, and prudential care, 
That they could form no accusation there. 
Since on this ground there couldno action licj 
They thought at length another scheme to try ; 
And that a charge would be more safe and wise^ 
Against him for religious exercise — 
To draw him under their degrading rod, 
For his adherence to the law of God ; 



393 



S94i THE HISTORY OP DANIEL. 

Wherein he differed and dissented quite, 

From them in modes, which they presum'd were right. 

So they consulted how a snare to lay, 

To trap him firmly, when he went to pray. 

And afier they had plann'd the wicked thing, 

They, in a body, went unto the king ; 

To use the common greeting form were led, 

" O king Darius, live for ever," said : 

The presidents of this thy kingdom great, 

The princes and the counsellors of state ; 

The captains who are military toa. 

Have had of late a social interview, 

And have concluded to propose to thee, 

To make a royal, and a firm decree, 

That whosoe'er shall a petition raise, 

To any god or man for thirty days. 

Except to thee, O mighty monarch, thep 

He shall be cast into the lions' den. 

Therefore, O king, establish the decree. 

And let the writing now be sign'd by thee, 

According to the well known laws, agreed 

By Medes and Persians, which are firm indeed.'^' 

The king misled at the first sight or view, 
At a suggestion in the bill untrue. 
That not -the princes only, then at helm, 
But all thexpresidents within his realm, 
(Of whom he well knew Daniel then was one — - 
Chief president) — he sanctioned what they'd done. 
And not suspecting any mischief there, 
But viewing it a testimony fair, 
Of veneration to himself alone. 
On his accession to the royal throne : 
Before the subject he had furthi r weigh'd, 
Consented to the proposition made ; 
He sign'd the bill for this conformity, 
And thereby pass'd it to a firm decree. 

When Daniel knew the rigid bill wag sign'd^ 
He heeded not — went to his house, we find : 
And though he might by human prudence see^ 
Smce this was but a thirty days' decree^ 



THE HISTORY OP DANIEL. 395 

Self-preservation would to liim dictate, 
To shun his doom — a punishment so great. 
That in this trying, persecuting day, 
He for that season might forbear to pray j 
Or if he pray'd, into retirement go, 
That no one living might his bus'ness know. 
Ye he, unshaken in his Master's cause, 
Could not be turn'd asicTe by human laws — 
Against his conscience heeding no decrees ; 
But in his chamber, humbly on bis knees, 
Toward Jerus'lem, with his windows rais'd, 
He pray'd devoutly, and his Maker prais'd, 
Gave thanks to God, o'er all to be obey'd, 
Just as he'd done, ere this decree was made. 
They who had set for this good man a snare, 
Now watch'd his movements with attentive care ; 
Forthwith they took him, in the act or thing. 
And went with speed, and pleasure to the king, 
Put him in mind of the late made decree ; 
And here they drew him to acknowledge free. 
That as the laws of Medes and Persians stood, 

It was indeed, unchangeable and good. 

They then the scheme unfolded to his view j 

Complain'd that Daniel, there a captive Jew, 

Would not the king nor his decrees obey, 

Made his petition boldly evVy day ; 

Not to the king, upon his royal throne, 

But to his God, as very well is known. 

The king with pain, now saw what they design'd, 

And being sore and deep displeas'd in mind. 

At their intrigue— and did himself condemn, 

Because he'd been so over-reach'd by them. 

His worthy friend he-labour'd to relieve — 

From the decree to grant him a reprieve : 

He tried until the setting of the sun. 

To have reversed the thing that he bad done. 
But these conspiring piinces, held him fast 

By the decree—the statute that was pass'd ; 

They all assembled to confirm the thing, 

And to him said, " It is a fact, Q king, 



396 THE HISTORY OP ©ANtEL. 

The law ofMedes and Persians well is known, 
That no decree that's issu'd from the throne — 
No statute sign'd once by the royal hand, 
Can be reversed — it must forever stand." 

The monarch, since the law was sign'd and seal'd, 
Against his will, was forc'd, at length to yield ; 
The seer was brought— his foes were gratified : 
Unwittingly the monarch prophesied, 
" Thy God, thou serv'st incessantly (said he) 
O Daniel ! thy deliverer will be." 

So these proud princes— most inhuman men, 
Cast pious Daniel in the lions' den : 
And that they might be satisfied in mind, 
That no one who might be thereto inclined. 
To whom this prophet, for his heart sincere — 
His wisdom, truth, and justice, might be dear, 
Could come by night, and succour him unknown, 
There then was brought, to make all sure, a stone, 
And laid upon the entrance of the den; 
Not only seal'd with the king's signet then, 
Which, in this case, they hardly thought was sure, 
But with the signet of his lords, secure. 

The anxious king, o'ercome at Daniel's doom. 
Went to his palace — spent the night in gloom, 
In fasting, watching, and in mourriingdeep— 
Uncheer'd by music, or the sweets of sleep. 
He very early in the morn arose—- 
In haste unto the lion's den he goes; 
Where he arriv'd in depth of love unfeign'd,' 
And with a loud, and plaintive voice exclaim'd^; 
*' O Daniel ! servant of the God above, 
The only object of thy purest love, 
Say, is he able to deliver thee— 
To set thee from the hungry lions free." 

"He surely is, O king, replied tlie seer, 
My God hath sent his holy an<rel liere. 
The raging, hungry lions' n)0uths to close; 
They have not hurt me. n()r against me rose, 
Because, before Omnipolencc renovvn'd, 
In me indeed, was innocency found. 



THE HISTORY OP DANIEL. 3ff> 

Likewise, O king ! I am to thee sincere, 

From doing hurt, my hands and heart are clear.'' 

The king was glad at hearing Daniel's voice, 
This preservation made his heart rejoice. 
The joyful monarch gave commandment then, 
To take the prophet from the lions' den. 

This soon was done — the king then further taughtj 
That Daniel's vile accusers should be brought, 
And in the hungry lions' den be thrown — 
Their wives and children-— so his wrath was grown "s 
And though the lions would not Daniel touch, 
Their eagerness for human blood was such. 
They fell, with great voraciousness on these, 
And had the mast'ry over them with ease : 
They brake the bones of these malicious men, 
Before they reach'd the bottom of the den. 

On this deliv'rance, marvellous and great, 
The king Darius, from his seat of state. 
That Daniel's God might be with awe obey'd, 
The following noble proclamation made : 
" To all the people on the earth I send, 
Let nations and the languages attend ; 
(This is a day of wonders, great and new) 
Let peace on earth be multiplied to you. 
I this decree now issue from my throne. 
That it may be throughout my kingdom known, 
That men must tremble, and devoutly fear. 
And Daniel's great and mighty God revere ; 
In majesty he rules from shore to shore. 
The living God, steadfast for evermore. 
He works deliv'rance by his pow'r alone — 
From Him are signs awl mighty wonders known. 
In heav'n and earth—He in the trying hour, 
Deliver'd Daniel from the lions' pow'r.'' 

That Daniel liv'd, and prosper'd through the ve'ign 
Of king Darius, is by scripture plain :* 
And also while king Cyrus wore the crown--- 
la Persia rul'd, he was in great renown. 

* Daniel vi. 28. 



S9S THE HISTORY OP DANIEL. 

And ere he left this transitory state, 
He had to view, with satisfaction greatj 
Direction for his brethren to be free, 
And to return from their captivity, 
Unto Jf^rus'lem, long in ruins laid, 
And for another temple to be made. 
By reading we may this account behold, 
In Fzra's book, the learned scribe of old. 

The death of Daniel (long with honour crown'd) 
Is not within the sacred volume found ; 
We, by some other authors, understand, 
He dif^d, in quiet, in Chaldea's land : 
'J hat when his spirit had its exit made^ 
He in the royal sepulchre was laid.. 



599 



REBUSES, 

CALC17LATED TO INVllE THE READER TO SEARCH 
THE SCRIPTURES. 

REBUS, No. 1. 

The Type of Messiah, the great and good king— 
The priest whose rod blossom'd, and fruil forth did 

bring ; 
The queen who a king once refused to obey — 
The son of king Saul, who awhile had the sway — 
The prophet who solv'd the king's dreams at desire— p 
The first of the three who were cast in the fire — 
A young man who vainly usurp'd the king's throne ; 
He who to the king and the queen made it known-r- 
The prophetess who did deliverance bring — 
And he who anointed young David for king :—• ^ 

The initials of these will exhibit the name 
Of a person, well worthy of honour and fame. 
When young, in his life, he had wisdom in view — 
Sought the pearl of great price, with an ardour that's 

true : 
^e took up the cross, that too many despise — 
In the path that is nariow, he run for the prize — 
Was not disappointed — success was complete ; 
He gain'd, with the worthies, a dignified seat. 
As his heart became fill'd with the treasure divine. 
His cup overflowed with the choicest of wine : 
To come and partake, to mankind waa his call, 
Of the wine that most freely is offer'd to all — 
Of the fountain unseal'd, as a stream of free grace. 
Set open, indeed, for the whole human race. 
Influenc d by vigour, deriv'd from above. 
He preach'd with great energy, power, and love ; 
He stood, with a tongue, that could cogently plead— 
Authority that was convincing indeed. 



^00 REBUSES. 

With an eye of discerning, most wondrously keem ; 
The states of the people, by him could be seen ; 
He would hit (with the object so clearly in view) 
The nail on the head, with a stroke that was true. 
His interest was great, with the aged and youths- 
Was unrivall'd in making of converts to truth : 
Consistent with wisdom, was to and fro sent ; 
The good of mankind was his noble intent. 
He crossM the Atlantic, where billows do roll, 
In love that would gather from north to south pole ; 
There labour'd some years, then return'd. the same road, 
To the land of his birth — to his place of abode. 
"When his toils in the field— when his days work was done. 
And he, through his pilgrimage fully had run ; 
He pass'd from this region — from conflict and pain, 
No doubt, to a city of infinite gain— ^ 
To a mansion of bliss, and of glory divine, 
Where those, who turn many to righteousness, shine. 

A^EKicA ! Europe ! remember the man, 
Who through many regions, in gospel love ran, 
That wisdom, and knowledge, and truth might increase, 
And the standard be raised of the Great Prince of PeacCp 



REBUS, No. 2. 

The man who was exil'd to Patmos alone — 
A prince who in Midian's army was known ; 
The mountain where Moses beheld a great sight, 
And the man who once call'd upon Jesus by night; 
The city o'er which was Melchizedek king— 
A place from which silver and gold they did bring; 
A man who an hundred true prophets did hide. 
And the place where did Samuel the ancient abide ; 
The land where, one night, all the first-born were slain, 
And the man who did next to king Solomon reign : — 

The initials of these, rightly ranged make the name, 
Of a man well deserving of honour and fame — 
When true wisdom cried with a still inward voice, 
To the call he attended, and made her his choice : 



HEBUSES. 401 

T!ie voice sounding louder, his heart so arous'd, 
That he openM his mouth.and her cause then espous'd! 
As he in tbe path of religion remained, 
He grew — to the state of a worthy attained ; 
Twice left his own region, Great-Britain's fam'd isle, 
And cross'd the Atlantic, throuji^h dangers to toil ; 
In a country far distant, true knowledge to teach, 
And the gospel, in primitive purity, preach. 
He was bold in the cause — in declaring the truth, 
To all sects, and all ranks — 'to the aged and youth. 
He was large in hisstature-^niajestic in look. 
By the power of truth, oaks and cedars he shook. 
This worthy, the great debt of nature has paid- 
in the dark, silent tomb his cold bones are now laid— 
His spirit releas'd, has ascended in love, 
To unite with the church that's triumphant above. 



REBUS, No. 3. 

The first man appointed high-priest of the Jews ; 
And he to whom Philip once carried good news : 
One of those who Christ's body embalm'd, we are told, 
And the father of Moses and Aaron of old: 
A man who by Jesus was rais'd from the dead ; 
And a woman whose son was bereav'd of his head : 
A man who his army with weeping survey'd, 
And a king who the wish of a queen once obey'd; 
The man who by dipping in Jordan was cur'd — 
A shepherd who was of a kingdom assur'd ; 
A man who in famine, by ravens was fed. 
And a woman in Ramah, who wept for the dead : — 

The initials of these, when ariang'd rightly, tell 
The name of a woman esteem'd very well — 
She left her connexions, and Britain's fair isle, 
The Atlantic she cross d, to a far distant soil. 
She's truly influenc'd with wisdom to teach. 
And the gospel of peace and glad-tidings to preach, 
America ! pay the attention that's due, 
And the glorious path of religion pursue. 

35 



402 REBUSES. 



REBUS, No, 4. 



The city where Paul preach'd two years, quite mi* 
harm'd ; 
The seer, at whose words, a sick king was alarm'd — 
The island where Mark and where Barnabas saiPd— 
The man at whose counsel Ahilhophcl fail'd ;. 
The Jewish high-priest, who deccas'd at Mount Hor j 
The dafnsel one lov'd, and long serv'd to pay for : 
Tl^he prophet who prosper'd w[|en king Cyrus reignM ; 
Josepb's brother who greatly for hiin was once painM ; 
The ancient who walk'd with the Lord, we are told ; 
The time of our life, that's contrasted with old ; 
The city where Jonah was sent in pure love f 
The place from which Jesus ascended above ; 
The mountain once gaily with cedars arrayM ; 
Jesse's son who wascrown'd &£ the sceptre long sway'd ; 
And the martyr who sweetly f(»r enemies pray'd ; — 

The initials of these, will exhibit the name 
Of a man well deserving of honour and fame 5 
A philanthropist true, and without any guile* 
His abode on the earth was the Britannic isle. 

While the high and the lofty, the proud and the vain. 
Were seeking and striving how wealth to obtain — 
To live in great splendour — themselves aggrandize, 
Not heeding the poor, or the needy one's cries, — 
While the miser's wild thirst, no increase could allay, 
Or his hunger for gold, just to hide it away : 
No naked one's smart, nor the hungry man's fate ; 
Widow's tears— orphan's cries, could his heart pene- 
trate, — 
While the tippler and drunkard their health rudely mar, 
With the poisonous liquids they draw from 'the bar ; 
They drink and delight in their vile ranting strain. 
And the name of the All-awing Judge take in vain,-^« 
While the poor sordid fool — the low covetous knave, 
The wealth of his fair dealing neighbour could crave ; 
How to cheat h o'erreach the chief thoughts of hishead, 
Not only by day, but by night on his bed, — 
While the worldling was seeking for money amain, 
To get all he possibly could for his grain ; 



REBUSES. 40§ 

A neighbour oppress'd with great want could not move, 
This stranger to fine human feelings and love,— 
While the warrior's delight was his weapon to wield ; 
All his joy the vain-glory that's gain'd in the field : 
Disregarding the widow's afflictions and sighs ; 
The wounded man's groans, and the orphan's sore cries, 
While these in their own vain pursuits were elate, 
In delights that in pain and distress terminate, 
The man upon whom I have taken my pen, 
Delighted in acts of great good will to men. 
He was surely all feeling, and loving and wise ; 
By temperance great, and by fair exercise. 
He enjoy'd thro' long hfe, a fine state of good health ; 
Was blest with increase and abundance of wealth ; 
And as it increas'd it expanded his mind, 
To the poor and the needy, the lame and the blind. 
And his basket and store were wellfili'd from above. 
No limits nor bounds e^er confined his great love. 
In boundless compassion to the poor his heart roll'd ; 
He incessantly sought, and reliev'd them with gold. 
To aid all in want was his aim day and night ; 
Lo ! this was his business, and this his delight. 
He, after long life, quite unrivalPd in good ; 
Giving naked, and hungry ones, clothing and food : 
His measure of love, and of kindness complete ; 
He was call'd, in great peace, from his temporal seat ; 
Lamented — belov'd — and amidst high renown, 
To glory immortal — a triumphant crown. 



REBUS, No. 5. 

The man who for teaching the Gentiles was fam'd, 
And woman whose husband Elkanah was nam'd } 
The man most sublime of the prophets in style, 
And woman to Jacob espous'd by a wile — 
The man who with virtuous Sarah did wed, 
And woman whom Peter once rais'd from the dead : 
The man who of old, broke his neck by a fall. 
And woman convinc'd by the preaching of Paul : 



404 REBUSES. 

The man who was chief when they took Jesus' life^ 
And woman whom Berod had taken for wife : 
The man whose beloved Rebecca well pleased, 
And woman who once a bold warrior appeas'd :— 
By initials of these, rightly rang'd, will be showOj 
The name of a populous city well known : 
Her founder was one of the wisest of men, 
The learned? the great, evangelical PENN. 



REBUS, No. 6. 

The apostle who wrote two epistles well known j 
A woman once chosen to sit on the throne ; 
The man, who when heaFd, would the prophet requited 
A person denoted a true Israelite.; • - 
The king who erected a temple that shone — 
The term for twelve months, when united, well known ; 
The birth-place of fam'd Penn, on Britannia's shore 5 
A queen once depos'd, that her reign was no more ; 
The name of a ship, built of old, of great fame ; 
And the builder renown'd, who was sav'd ii, the same ; 
The man on whom Jacob with meat did attend, 
And the patriarch great, who was ealFd the Lord's 
frieod: — 

The initials of these make the name of a state, 
That long has been known in the Union as great; 
The name was most freely bestowed by the king, 
To the pious proprietor, honour to bring 
The climate is wholesome, and fertile the soil ; 
The husbandman richly is paid for his toil. 
As ive traverse the region, the prospect is grand, 
In viewing the verdure and fruits of the land. 
And here may be found many women and men, 
Endu'd with the spirit and feelings of Penn; 
Religion, industry, and prudence they prize '^ 
Intemperance, sloth, and injustice despise. 
The wayfaring person can certainly find, 
In many a dwelling, reception that's kind* 



REBUSES. 405 

From the poor man's petition, they turn not the ear j 
But aid the distress'H and afflicted, wiih cheer. 
As they to the needy sweet mercy exi<r nd, 
May the blessings of heav'n upon them descend. 



REBUS, No. 7. 

The ancient who planted a vineyard, we're told 5 
Our or2;an of hearing, nJore preci(»us than g«»ld ; 
The liqunr drank freely by Noah the good, > 

B lore he the strength of the '^ame understood. > 

The name of old Jacob's fam'd seed widely spread 5 
A prophet who rais'd a youns;; child from the dead : 
The name of a woman who glean'd in the field ; 
One chosen ft«rking, who himself had conceal'd. 
The land where young children were drown d by vile 

law ; 
And the instrument coupling of oxen to draw :— • 

The initials of these will exhibit the name 
Of a State in the Union, deserving of fame. 
The soil is, in part, quite productive of food, 
And partly too sandy, to be very good. 
The climate is pleasant, throughout they obtain, 
The articles needful mankind to sustain : 
A plenty they raise for the use of each day ; 
From numerous parts, much to market convey. 
Beside land productions, of which they can boast,^ 
Their country adjoins the Atlantic sea coast ; 
The oysters, the clams, and the fish of the sea, 
Make a feast that's delicious for them and for me. 
They mostly are moral, and haters; of strife — 
Industrious, prudent, and pious in life. 
To him who is needy, they open the door. 
And grant sweet relief from their plenty in store. 
Many love the religion that's peaceful and pure. 
And build on the Basis, that's lasting and sure. 
May these persevere — to the truth still attend, 
And reap the reward of their faith, in the en^, 

35* 



408 REBtrSESf. 

REBUS, No. 8. 

A Queen who once made for the women a feasfj 
A garden renown'd for rich fruits in the east : 
The father of one who was Jonadab nara'd ; 
The first-born of Joseph, from ancient days famM ; 
A man of huge size, who o'er Bashan did* reign ; 
The city where priests by a monarch were slain ; 
The place where fam'd Sampson, while sprightly ia 

life, 
Went down, with great ardour, to take him a wife :— > 

By initials of these, well arranged, we shall find 
The name of a State, with the Union combin'd. 
Though it lies to the north, where the snow falls so free^ 
The comforts of living, are great in degree 5 
And though in a latitude subject to freeze, 
'Tis not so extreme, but we bear it with ease. 
At the dawn of the spring, rural beauties renew; 
The verdure is rapid, and pleasing to view. 
Let the farmer but plough, and then sow his clean seed^ 
The land will bring forth — it is fertile indeed ; 
With moderate labourj produces fine wheat, 
And grain of fll kinds, fit for sale or to eat ; 
With pork and the mutton — the poultry and beef^ 
By which we in hunger obtain sweet relief. 
No state in the Union, in fact, can surpass 
The meadows for beauty, and goodness of grass. 
For raising of cattle, the country is fine, 
And for those who, as shepherds, to wealth may inclinej^i 
One thing of importance, is well understood, 
The bus'ness of keeping a dairy is good. 
For raising of apples, the climate ranks high, 
Pears, cherries and plumbs, that would please in a pie; 
With plenty of sugar to sweeten the same, 
Produc'd from the maple, a tree of great fame. 
And sometimes the peach, has been known well to 

grow, 
Of which there in time, may perhaps be a flow. 
The farmers themselves, wives, and children might 

please, 
By raising more pear, peach, and fine cherry trees-^ 



REBUSFS. 40T 

Men and women, by temp' ranee, and useful employ, 
In gen'ral, may fine constitutions enjoy. 
A range of gay mountains, extend through the state, 
And the verdure on them at all seasons is great : 
There is one (though the name may to many be new) \ 
That is caird Camel s Hump, most majestic to view. 

The laws of the state, as though made in br;ight daySf 
Grant freedom of conscience, deserving of praise, 
They do not i.;deed, this fine freedom proclaim, 
And then let you know, you must pay for the same; 
That conscience is free for all persons with cheer. 
If the subject will pay a few dollars a year. 
They no such vuin burdens on conscience will lay, 
But declare, by their actions, they mean what they say;) 

Contention on politics, seems at an end ; 
An example to those, who unwisely contend. 
All ranks and all colours enjoy a free air ; 
For slavery long has been overthrown there. 
In short, 'tis a land, where, with little alloy, 
Men and women can peace and a plenty enjoy ►- 

REBUS, No. 9. 

. The mount where young Jotham spoke grandly hi^ 

mind, 
The wife of fam*d Boaz, rich, pious, and kind. 
The rock on which Sampson abode a good while, 
And the woman, the serpent did sadly beguile ; 
The man who, we're told, built an ark of great length. 
And a city whose high and broad walls were its strength : 
The land where good Job,fam'd for patience did dwell, 
The woman who raourn'd for her children they tell — 
And the mountain where Saul and his valiant sons fell: 
The initials of these, make the name that one calls 
The new village that's building at Meeker's fine falls — *■ 
To be call'd by that name through the ages of time, 
Long as orators speak, or as poets can rhyme- 
While the mountains yield trees — hills and valleys 

have stones — 
While the verdant grass grows, and great Otter Creek' 

run&. 



408 REBUSES. 

REBU^, No. 10. 

The ancient who built a great ark for the sea—' 
The person first form'd in blest Eden to be — 
The city where Jonah to anguish was brought — 
A bishop who by an apostle was taught — 
A place in Chaldea, where Abra'ni abode — 
The land that with milk and with honey long flow'd— « 
The son, next to first-born, of Ishmael well known — ^ 
A prcjphet who pass'd over Jordan alone, ^ 

And the city where Hiram once sat on the throne:— J 

By initials of these, will exhibited be, 
The name of an island that lies in the sea. 
Her sons and her fair, love industry and peace — 
Their principles teach them that wars should all eease* 
Without weapons of war, without ships of the line, 
They have found through dark seasons protection di- 
vine. 
By viewing their manners 'tis obviously seen, 
No office that's honest is thought by them mean. 
Though possess'd of much vvealth,are contented to ride 
In carriages fitted for use, and not pride. 
Her daughters are feeling — to strangers are kind — 
Are useful indeed in the stations assign'd. 
Her sons plough the billows, through dangers and toil— 
They double Cape Horn to far regions for oil ; 
Sometimes to the east, when the wind breezes free — ° 
Round the Cape of Good Hope to the great Indian sea* 
They indeed are expert as bright fancy can wish, 
In darting their harpoons at marvellous fish. 
On the land and the sea, they pursue means of life^ 
And appear to be shunning contention and strife. 
By attention to business— by prudence and care. 
For those in distress, they have something to spare* 
May blessings indeed their endeavours attend, 
Is the real desire of their well-wishing friend. 



DEBUSES. ^09 

REBUS, No 11. 

The person who most for long life was renown'd— • 
trfae man who was king over Amalek ciown'd 5 
The damsel who listen d at Peti^r's late knock — 
The commander who gave a great host a dire shock — 
The ancient from whom all our race deriv'd life*-^ 
The fair who was patriarch Isaac's dear wife — 
"W'ith her vpho of 0I4 was by Satan deceiy'd ; 
And him who was slow yet his master believ'd. 
The name of the fish by which Jonah was sav'd— 
The queen who the Jews from a massarre crav'd— « 
The powerful seer who false prophets amaz'd — 
The chief who 'gainst Moses a mutiny rais'd — 
The worthy who first was translated, we find, 
And the king who in wisdom surpass'd all mankind; 

By initials of these, rightly rang'd, will be shown^ 
The name of a woman once very well known — 
A kind, tender mother, affectionate wife, 
A lover of good, and a hater of strife. 
The choice of U't heart was religion that's pure, 
And firmly to build on the basis that s sure. 
Sh" pass'd from this region in triumph and joy, 
To a city wher^ demons can never annoy — 
The reward of her faith, without doubt she has found 5 
With peace and eternal salvation is crown'd. 
The muse might enlarge, and abide by the truth— 
The joy of my life was the wife of my youth. 



REBUS, No. 12. 

The grandson of David, who came to the crowD; 
The vale where a giant once lost his renown — 
The ruler where Paul was arraign'd as appears — 
A person espous'd when of age forty years— 
The city where Joseph and Mary abode — 
A region through which the fam'd Nile has long flow'd ; 
The name of tUe grain, most esteem'd for good bread, 
The seer whose dry bones rais'd a man from the dead^ 



410 REBUSES. 

The first-born of Isaac, who lost his birth-right — 
The father of one v\ho was tall in his height — 
The seer who to bliss by a whirlwind was brought— 
And a mountain of old where great wonders were 

wrought : — 
These initials arranged, will a man's name display, 
Who was born on Long- Island, the Town, Oyster-Bay. 
If any to know in what year should incline, 
in seventeen hundred and fifty and nine. 
Awhile he enjoy'd all the comforts of life, 
With a steady aversion to sloth and to strife : 
As time was advancing, arriv'd asad day, 
When his wealth took a flight, like an eagle away. 
Though property fled— inauspicious the hour, 
Hope kept the heart whole : yes, in faith there is powV. 
Though the waters o'erflovv^'d, when advanced far from 

youth, 
How strong, and how sweetly consoling was truth— 
Though the scene was severe, as it rose in degree, 
Prepar'd for the season was strength known to be- 
Though stripped of companion, of houses and land, 
A monument truly of mercy I stand. 



&L]j\ai\atioi\ of t\\e Hebwses. 







REBUS 


I. 






The type of Me 


ssiah, 


- 


- 


. 


D avid 


The Pi 


riest whose 


rod bloss 


om'd 


>. 


A aron 


3d line 


alludes to 


- 


- 


• 


- 


V ashti 


4 - 


- 


- 


- 


- 


- 


I sh-hosheth 


5 - 


> 


- 


- 


- 


- 


D aniel 


6 . 


- 


J. 


. 


- 


. . 


S hadrach 


7 - 


- 


- 


- 




.• 


A donijali 


8 - 


- 


.- 


- 


- 


- 


JV athan 


9 - 


" ^ " 


- 


- 


- 


. 


D eborah 


10 - 


- 




- 


- 


- 


S amuel 






REBUS 


II. 






1 line 


. 


- 


. 


• 


. 


J ohn 


2 do. 


(Judges vn. 25.) 


- 


- 


- 


reb 


3 


(Exodus, 


iii. 2.) 


- 


- 


- 


H oreh 


4 - 


- 


- 


m 


- 


- 


JV icodemus 


5 - 


- 


m 


- 


. 


. 


S alem 


6 - 


- 


- 


-»» 


- 


- 


T arshish 


7 - 


- 


- 


- 


- 


- 


badiah 


8 - 


- 


- 


^ 


- 


-p 


R amah 


9 - 


- 


- 


- 


- 


- 


A- uypt 


10 - 


- 


- 




^ 


- 


R ehoboam 






REBUS ] 


[II. 






1 line alludes to 


- 


. 


. 


. 


A aron 


2 - 


- 


- 


- 


- 


- 


J^ athanifil 


3 - 


- 


- 


- 


•» 


m 


A icodemus 


4.' (Exodus, vi. 30.) 


- 


- 


• 


A mram 


5 - 


- 


- 


- 


. - 


- 


L azanis 


6 - 


- 


- 


- 


-■ 


- 


E lizabetk 


7 - 


- 


- 


- 


- 


. 


X erxes 


8 - 


^ 


- 


- 


- 


- 


A hasuerns 


9 - 


- 


-■ 


- 


'. 


- 


A aaman 


^10 - 


- 


- 


. 


. 


. 


D avid 


11 - 


- 


.- 


- 


«. 


. 


E iijah 


12 - 


- 


• 


- 


. 


• 


R achel 



412 



EXPLANATIONS. 



REBUS IV. 



1 

2 
3 

4 
5 
6 

7 

8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 



(Gen. xxxvii. 29, 30.) 



It ome 

I saiak 
C yprus 
H ushai 
A aron 
Ft achel 
D anid 

R euben 
E noch 
Y oung 
tAT inev>eh 
O livet 
L ebanon 
D avid 
S iejphen 



4lEBUS V. 



1 - - - - 

2 (1 Sam. i. 1,2.) 

3 - - - - 

4 - . - - 

5 - - - - 

6 (Acts 9.) - 

7 - - - - 

8 (Acts xvi. 14.) - 

9 - - 

10 (Markvi. 17.) - 

li - - - . 

12 (1 Sam. xii.) - 



P aul 
H annah 
I &aiah 
L, eah 
A hraham 
D orcas 
E li 
Lt ydia 
P Hate 
H erodius 
I saac 
A higail 





EXPLANATIONS. 


41 




REBUS 6. 


~ 


i . 


• • » • » 


P eter 


2 . 






E sther 


3 . 






JV aaman 


4 . . . 






JV athaniel 


5 . 






S olomon 


6 . 






Y ear 


7 . 






L ondon 


8 . 






V ashti 


9 . . 






A rk 


10 . 






JV* oah 


It . 






I saac 


12 . 






A braham 




REBUS 7. 




1 . 


1 • • • » 


JV* oah 


2 . 


• • » * 


E ar 


i\ ■ 


• »♦•■• 


W ine 


5 . . . 


• e • • 


J ews 


6 . . . 

7 . . . 


• • • 

• • • 




E iijah 
R uth 


8 . . . 


• • • 




S aul 


9* . 
10 . . . 


• • • 

• * < 




E gypt 
Y oke 




REBUS 8. 




1 . . . 


« ♦ • • 


V ashti 


2 . . . 






E if en 


3 . . . 






H echah 


4 , 






M anasseh 


5 . . . 

6 . . . 






A ob 


7) 






T imnath 



36 



[14 




EXPLANATIONS, 






REBUS 


5 9. 




1 * 


■ • • 




G erizim 


2 . 




', 






R uth 


3 . 










E tarn 


4 . 










E ve 


5 . 










. JV* oak 


6 . 










B abylon 


7 . 










. U z 


.8 . 










R achel 


9 . 










Q ilboa 




REBUS 


10. 




1 , 






N oak 


2 , 


• • • • 




A dam 


3 . 


• • • • 




JS/ ineveh 


4 . 


• • • * 




T imothy 


6 (Gen. 


xi. 31.) . 




. U r 


6 . 


• « • • 




C anaan 


7 (Gen. 


XXV. 13.) 




K edar 


8 . 


• • • • 




. E lisha 


9 . 


• * • # 


V 


: Tyre 


RI 


:bus 11. 


' 


REBUS 12. 


1 


M ethuselah 


1 


R ehohoam' 


2 


A gag 


2 


E lah 


8 


R hoda 


3 


F estus 


4 


G ideon 


4 


I saac 


5 


A dam 


5 


N azareth 


6 


R ebecca 


6 


E gypt 


7 


E ve 






8 


T homas 


7 


TV heat 






8 


E lisha 


9 


W hale 


9 


E sau 


10 


E sther 


10 


K ish 


11 


E hjah 


11 


E lijak 


12 


K orah 


12 


5 inai 


.13 


E noch 






14 


S 


olomc 


m 







»iiffiiii®AM®Bri 



The following is from Friends in Vermont; also on LongA 
Island, and other parts of New-york : — 

We the subscribers, being well acquainted with Rekine Weekes, do 
cheerfully certify, that we consider him to be an honest, industrious man. 
The uprightness of his conduct, and his good-will to mankind, appear to 
have secured him the esteem of his acquaintance. For some time past, 
he has been employed in versifying various parts of tlie scriptures, and he 
iias also written Poems on other serious su?>jects. We believe his intentions 
to be good, and, as far as we have perused his works, it is our opinion, that 
they may be safely recommended to the public, as writings that contain 
much entertaining and instructive matter ; and we hope that those who 
concur with us i& sentiment, will encourage the sale of his books, and 
thereby relieve the author in his present embarrassed circumstances. 
Ferrishurgh, 12th Mo. 2rd, 1818. 



JOSEPH HOAG, 
THOMAS R. ROBINSON, 
CHILTON WOOD, 
ABRAHAM BROWN, 
JESSE GRIFFEN, 
CORNELIUS HURLBUT, 
ROWLAND T. ROBI sSON, 
TIMOTHY DAKIN, 
NATHAN C. HOAG, 
JONATHAN HOLMES, 
SELAH GREGORY, 
THADDEUS GREGORY, 
MOSES H. BEDEE, 
JOHN DAKTN, 
NATHANIEL AUSTIN, 
SILVANUS AUSTIN, 
NICHOLAS AUSTIN, 
LOREN ORVIS, 
HOLLETT THORN, 
WILLIAM A. MOORE, 



ELI AS HICKS, 
SILAS DOWNING, 
THOMAS EVERIT, 
JOHN CARLE, 
JAMES HALLOCK, 
HARRIS OTIS, 
GILES SEAMAN, 
LILLFS WOOD, 
BATHSHEBA BROWN, 
JEMIMA ROBINSON, 
ZERIAH GRIFFEN, 
MARY HURLBUT, 
ELIZABETH TABER, 
ARLETTY HOLMES, 
MARY GREGORY, 
ANNA BIRCHARD, 
LILLIS ORVIS, 
PHEBE BROWN, 
SARAH THORN, 
HULDAH HOAG, 



416 RECOMMENDATIONS. 

The following is from Magistrates, and other persons of 
respectability, in Vermont : — 

We the subscribers, being well acquainted with Refine Weekes, can, 
with sincerity, recommend him to all persons, as a worthy, honest, indus- 
trious man. Through all his afflictions, (and he has had many) he has ex- 
hibited uncommon submission to the will of Divine Providence, His piety, 
his meekness, and good-will to man, has secured him the esteem of all who 
know him. For some time past, he has been engaged in forming into rhyme, 
various parts of the scriptures, and has also written Poems on other serious 
subjects. We believe his intention to be good, and that his works will be 
useful to the general class of i-eaders. Those who encourage the sale of 
his books, may derive benefit in so doing, and will afiford relief to the 
author, in his present embarrassed situation. 

Vergennes, JVov. l^thf IQia. 
AMOS W. BARNUM, GAMALIEL PAINTER, 

SMITH BOOTH, WILLIAM SLADE, Ja. 

DAVID EDMOND, IRA A. DEMMON, 

THOMAS BYRD, U. H. EVEREST, 

KOAH HAWLEY, SAMUEL H. HOLLEY, 

E. D. WOODBRIDGE, IRA STEWART, 

LUTHER E. HALL, SAMUEL MATTOCKS, 

FRANCIS BRADBURY, OLIVER BANGS; 

WILLIAM WHITE. L. PAINTER, 

ABEL TOMLINSON, GEORGE CLEVELAND, 

FORDYCE HUNTINGTON, JOHN SIMMONS, 

VILLEE LAWRENCE, HARVEY BELL, 

REUBEN BRUSH, NATHANIEL GIBSOxN, 

SAMUEL STRONG, JOSEPH HOUGH, 

SAMUEL SWIFT, WILLIAM SLADE, 

JOEL DOOLITTLE, HORATIO SEYMOUR, 

JOSEPH ROGERS, JEPHTHAH SHEDD, 

SAMUEL H. TUPPER, EBEN W. JUDD. 

New-York, 1823. 
Refine Weekes, the author of a volume of Poems, lately published in 
this city, is entitled to the esteem of his acquaintance, for his honest, in- 
dustrious, and humane character. His power of imagination, and poetic 
sensibility, are sufficiently conspicuous in his writings. As well on these 
accounts, as on the score of former losses and afflictions, which he has 
home with fortitude, we deem his claim to the sympathy and patronage of 
the virtuous, strong and legitimate. 
NATHAN COMSTOCK, JAMES NELSON, 

THOMAS HAZARD, Jr. SAMUEL TOWNSEND, 

MAHLON DAY, EDMUND HAVILAND. 

JOSHUA UNDERHILL, 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 417 

New- Jersey, 1823. 
Rkfine Weekes, appears to furnish ample testimonials of his upright=- 
ness and integrity, and to possess a rare facility for metre, of the instructive 
and interesting kind. We hope he may have success in the sale of his books, 
apprehending they may he usefully spread among the youth, and others, 
who esteem plain, intelligible poetry, adapted to the understanding of every 
capacity. — We believe the author to be entitled to the esteem, respect, and 
sympathy of Friends, wherever his lot may be cast. 
HENRY WARRINGTON, Jr. RACHEL BISHOP, 

JOSEPH WARRINGTON, ABRAHAM MERRIT, 

JAPHETH BISHOP, WILLIAM NEWBOLD. 



To all ivhom these may ooncern. 

For the assistance of Refine Weekes, (a friend that I esteem), in th(?. 
sale of his books, entitled, " Poems on Religious and Historical Subjects," 
I am willing to inform, that on perusing the work, I have been edified ; and 
the more I have read it, the more I have become satisfied, that it will prove 
useful in schools and in families. — There are some of them introduced into 
Friends' Boarding School,at Nine Partners, and some others spread in famir 
lies; and, as far as I have yet ascertained, they meet full approbation, 

ISAAC THORNE, Jr. 

Washington, (Dutchess Counts/, JV. Y.) Ist Mo. 23. 1821. 

I am in possession of the Poetic Works of Refine Weekes, and unite 
with many others in sentiment, that the moral and historical, as well as enter* 
taining character thereof, justly entitle it to public patronage, and sincere- 
ly hope that the meritorious author may derive from the sale of the work, 
such pecuniary emolument, as may, in some measure, compensate, in his 
declining years, for his numerous sufferings and privations. 

EDWIN A. ATLEE, 

Philadelphia, 3rd Mo, Uth, 1B23. 



Philadelphia, 3rd Mo. 15th, 1823. 
From our acquaintance with Refine Weekes, we fully concur in senti- 
ment with many of his more intimate friends, as expressed in the foregoing 
testimonials, that he is amply entitled to the esteem, respect,and syrhpathy 
of Friends, wherever his lot may be cast. 

JOHN MORTON, 
MARY R. MORTON. 

I concur in the sentunents as above expressed, relative to Refine Weekes. 

JOSEPH PARRISH, 
Philadelphia, 3rd Mo. 15th, 1823. 



4^19 RECOMMENDATIONS. 

The bearer, Refine Weekes, is recommended to the notice of Friends 
as an honest and sincere man, by a number of individuals, well known to 
the subscriber. His object is to retrieve his circumstances, by the sale of 
books. When his means were more abundant, his kindness to those in dis- 
tress, was well known among his friends. Those who can spare of their 
plenty,what will purchase from him a few of his books,will do him a favour- 

JESSE KERSEY. 

Downing Town, (Pa.) dth Mo. 24th, 1823. 



Having had a very satisfactory acquaintance, for eight or ten years,wilfa 
my friend Refine Weekes, and believing him to be a sincere and 
honest friend, and that his object in the sale of his books, is not only to 
retrieve his circumstances, but to do good in his day and generation ; I am 
free to recommend him to the respectful notice and attention of Friends, 
wherever he may come. 

AMOS PEASLEE. ' 

Chesterjicld, {X, J.) Uih Mo. 20ihj 1822. 



Having had knowledge of RanT.-R Weekes, some years, I have reasoij 
to believe that it is from honest and upright motives, that he is engaged 
not only to retrieve his circumstan -es, but for the good of his fellow-crea- 
tures, generally, that he is going about selling his books : and it would be 
kind in those that have a plenty, to encourage him by purchasing of his 
books ; as they are, as far as I have seen, replete with interesting and 
instructive matter for the youth, as well as others of riper years. 

HINCHMAN HAINES. 

Evesham, (jY. J.) I2th Mo. 1822. 



Great Valley, (Pa.) 9th Mo. 10th, 1822. 
From a perusal of the books that the bearer, Refine Wee^ es, has to 
sell, I believe them calculated to instil principles of virtue and piety into 
the inquiring mind; and wishing to see them more generally disseminated, 
I recommend him to the friendly notice and assistance of those where he 
may travel. 

HENRY WOODMAN. 



Friends^ Books, and others, Religious and Moral, for sale by 
MAHLON DAY, Printer, Bookseller, and Stationer, /Vo. 
372, Pearl-street, near Friends'' Meeting- House, 



Barclay's Catechism, 

Beauties of Mature, 

Bloomfield's Poems, 

Brief Rf^marker, 

Cbristian Disciple, 

Character, Essential to Success 

in Life. 
Chapone's Letters, 
Christian Philosophy, 
Clarkson's history of Slave trade 
Clark on the Promises, 
Conversion of St Paul, 
Complaint of Peace, 
Cowper's Task, 
Cowper's Poems, 
Dairyman's Daughter, 
Dodd on Death. 
Dilwyn's Reflections, 
Early Piety, 

Economy of Human Life, 
EUwood's Davidies, 
Examples for Youth, 
Fenel'in's Pious Reflections, 
.Family Maxims, by Hannah Kil- 

ham. 
Friends' Tracts, CNew-York) 
Friend of S-'eace, 
Fox's Journal, 
Fry's Poems, 
Gregory's Legacy, 
Guiou's Poems, 
Guide to Peace, 
Hand of Providence, 
Hervey's Vleditations, 
Heavenly Sisters, 
Home, oti the Psalms, 
Hoylaud's Epitome, 2 vols. 
Howe's Thoughts, 
Howard on Domestic Economy, 
Jane Pearson, 
John Spalding, 
Journal of Job Scott, 
Journal of John Grattan, 
Kersey's Treatise, 
Kendall's Abstract, 2 vols. 
Knox's Essays 2 vols. 
Law's Spirit of Prayer, 
Letters to Governor Strong, 
Life of Elizabeth Stirredge, 
Life of Christ, 
Life k Travels of Saml. Bownas 



Life of Cowper, 
Life of !Vlarf;aret Lucas, 
Life of Sarah Stevenson, 
Marriott's Poems, 
Mason'3 Self Knowledge, 
Memoirs of Catharine Phillips, 
Mefiioir of Caroline E. Smelt. 
Memoir of Dr. Bateman, 
Milton's Paradise Lost, 
iVionigomery s Poems, 
Murray's Compendium, 
iXo Cross No Crown, 
Nott's Sermons for Children, 
Owen on Redemption, 
Paley's Sermons, 
Penuington's Letters, 
Penn's Maxims, 
Penn's Fruits of Solitude, 
Phipp's State of Man, 
Piety Promoted, 
Pilgrim's Progress, 
Pleasures of th- Imagination, 
Pleasures of Hope by Campbell, 
Poems by Thomas Gray, 
Poitraiture oi Quakerism, 
Propogation of Christianity, 2 v. 
Religious Tiadesman, 
Reciprocal Duties, 
Religious Letters, 
Rowe's Exercises, 
Samuel Scott's Dairy:, 
Sarah Grubb s Journal, 
Select Lives of Pious Men, 
Shackleton's Letters, (just pub.) 
Taylor's Holy Living, 
Thomas A. Kempis, 
Thompson's Seasons, 
Thorp's Letters, 
Tuke's Duties of Religion, 
Take's Principle?, 
Wagstaflfe's Piety Promoted,* 
Weekes' Poems 

VVeekes- Life of Willium Penn, 
Wisdom in Miniature, 
VVilberforce's Christianity, 
Whole Duty of Woman, 
World before the Flood, 
W^oolman's W^orks, 
Woolman's Considerations, 
Woolman's Advice to the Ricb, 
Young's Night Thoughts. 



Now publishing, for the first time In America. 



7is r^i^ 



'-¥\' 



<\ 









■ ^ 









< 






: 'rf 






y 









/ -^ 



-^^ 



,0' s 















<-^. 



'/^. == 



/^v ••>^' 

^ ~^^.^ 



c 









"ips^' 



^ c 



< ' 



■\ 



■^* 












'^ 






^ -C-'' .v. 






A^^' ^r 






o^ 










•^o 






z'. 






